4. Disconnect small appliances and appliances when not in use: According to some studies, the average household owns at least 50 appliances or electrical appliances at one time. Of course, very few people switch off their entertainment systems when they leave the house, and it makes no sense to separate the fridge. However, we encourage you to separate things like toaster and other small kitchen appliances before leaving each day. And don’t leave a plugged in heater when you’re not there! These are famous for electrical fires! The same goes for hot electric blankets. Get used to the habit of switching off electrical current now, because these kitchen appliances cause a lot of fires when left plugged in and unattended. Unplug small appliances you use in the bathroom as well. Also, you can actually save money on electricity by completely unplugging computers, printers, and entertainment systems from the wall when you are not at home because even in “off” mode, these things suck energy from the system and add more to your electricity bill 5. We know You want to squeeze out every last use moment of whatever device you have, because it can be pricey! But these old, malfunctioning appliances could be some of the worst electrical fires! So, if any of your appliances show the following signs of wear, dispose of them safely and get a newer, safer style ASAP: Frayed electrical wiring causes the lights to flash in the room, or turn them off (we’re looking at you, old microwave ovens … Sparks when running overheat coming from the appliance These are signs of an electrical fire disaster waiting to happen, so don’t ignore it! 6. Reducing the use of space heaters: One of the main causes of electrical fires is the prolonged use of electric heaters. We recommend that people limit their use of heaters by only using them when the room is occupied. We also recommend running it at 1/2 power instead of at full power. The 1/2 power space heater will keep the room warm just as much as full power, but without the risk of damaging outlets or overloading the circuit. Make an appointment for a regular electrical safety check In addition to these five things you can do around your home and do now (make it a family-friendly activity so everyone knows these safety tips), make an appointment for a regular electrical safety check and building electrical code with a Northern Virginia electrician. If you have any concerns or questions, we can help you determine how to solve the above problems, and we can also check the electrical panel, wiring and other areas that would not be safe for you to check by yourself. Electrical safety checks provide peace of mind for you and your family, and add a few extra incentives for buyers if you’re trying to sell your home as well. The Root Electric team is obsessed with safety for our customers! If you have any concerns about the electricity in your home please contact us immediately and we can help you! (703) 494-3989.
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