Top 5 Risks - Old Household Appliances

During seasonal cleaning in the spring and before Christmas, homes are often thoroughly cleaned. This is an excellent time to also check the condition of household appliances and electrical devices, especially as large appliances are moved at least once a year while vacuuming. Even a minor defect or fault in appliances can pose a significant safety risk, so regular inspections of devices are extremely important.


Focus on Electrical Cables


Especially for small appliances like toasters or kettles, it is advisable to unplug them after use to avoid the risk of short circuits. These devices produce heat during use, so unwanted heating can create hazardous situations while household members are at work or school. In addition to plugs, attention should also be paid to the positioning of cords and cables - a cord that is too long and in the way may snag on passersby, potentially knocking or dropping the device from the table. Therefore, pull cords smartly along walls and use cable ducts to bundle longer cables into a neat package, keeping them out of users' way.

 

Home Refrigerators Can Be Hidden Energy Drainers

 

Defrosting freezers should be an annual routine, as frost and ice accumulation can significantly increase energy consumption. Removing dust from behind refrigerators and freezers is also an important safety measure in terms of fire prevention, which should be done during defrosting.

At the same time, it is advisable to take inventory of the contents of refrigerators. For example, upright freezers are often far too large for one or two-person households and also consume more energy than compact combination appliances, which can still accommodate everything necessary. As appliances age, their energy efficiency may decline, and especially extra noise is often a sign of an approaching malfunctioning refrigerator. The latest freezers also do not frost up, so they remain energy-efficient throughout the year with no need for defrosting.

 

Local Dealers Support Appliance Choices


Staff at Euronics chain stores can guide customers in selecting the right household appliances as well as in equipment safety. "Insurance companies unfortunately often encounter device failures that could perhaps have been prevented," says Euronics Finland’s Category Manager Kimmo Aaltonen. "Local and knowledgeable dealers and sellers take care not only of selecting the appropriate device but also of its installation and the removal of old appliances," he continues.

Disposing of old appliances burdens not only the consumer but, in the worst case, also the environment if they are not recycled properly. Euronics takes care of ecological aspects by providing responsible recycling for old devices to ensure they do not end up in landfills or on roadsides. "A new appliance is an environmental act anyway, as even very recent models have become more energy-efficient, safer, and often even more compact," Aaltonen summarizes. Modern induction cookers are many times more energy-efficient, safer, and faster than traditional cast iron stoves, making updates to household appliances both an environmental and economic decision.

 

The Most Common Risks of Old Household Appliances:

 

  1. Short Circuits - Unplug electrical cords from sockets when not using the device or when you are away from home.
  2. Dust Accumulation - Excessive dust can cause the device to overheat and hence increase fire risk.
  3. Improperly Laid Electrical Cords - Cords may snag on passersby and cause the device to fall or tip over.
  4. Water Damage - Regularly check the hose connections of dishwashers and washing machines, as seals can deteriorate over time.
  5. Energy Consumption of Refrigerators - Regularly defrost the freezer and take inventory of the refrigerator. Energy consumption will definitely decrease!

 

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