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Dryer fires can be a devastating experience for any homeowner. These types of fires can start quickly and spread rapidly, causing significant damage to your home and endangering your family. However, preventing dryer fires is relatively simple with the proper maintenance and precautions. Here are some tips on how to prevent dryer fires:
Clean the lint filter regularly One of the most common causes of dryer fires is the buildup of lint in the filter. Lint is highly flammable, and when it accumulates in the dryer, it can easily ignite, causing a fire. Therefore, it is essential to clean the lint filter before and after every use. Inspect and clean the dryer vent regularly The dryer vent is responsible for carrying hot, moist air outside your home. Over time, lint can accumulate in the vent, reducing the airflow and increasing the risk of a fire. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect and clean the dryer vent regularly. If you notice that your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, it could be a sign that the vent needs cleaning. Use a metal dryer vent hose Flexible plastic or foil vent hoses are not as durable as metal hoses and can easily become damaged or crimped, which restricts airflow and increases the risk of a fire. Therefore, it is recommended to use a metal dryer vent hose that can withstand high temperatures and is less likely to become damaged. Do not overload the dryer Overloading the dryer can cause the motor to overheat, which can lead to a fire. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the maximum load capacity of your dryer. Do not leave the dryer running unattended It is essential to supervise the dryer while it is running to ensure that there are no issues. If you need to leave the house, turn off the dryer and unplug it to prevent any potential hazards. Try to time running the dryer at night before bedtime. In Peterborough, there is a time of use discounted rate for electricity use by Hydro One, so you enjoy the lowest rate after 7pm. By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of a dryer fire in your home. It is essential to perform regular maintenance and take precautions to ensure the safety of your family and your property. If you need to set up dryer installation wiring, and need service by a licensed electrician in Peterborough, give us a call.
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It's not always easy to tell if the wiring in your home needs to be updated. To ensure your safety and keep your electrical systems running smoothly, being familiar with the signs of a wiring problem is important. Learn what to look out for and find out when it’s time to rewire your home.
Look Out For Damage to Your Wiring & Breaker Boxes The most obvious sign of a potentially hazardous wiring issue is physical damages. If your wires are frayed, cracked, or discolored, or if your breaker box appears to have been melted or burned, then it’s time to call an electrician. Additionally, you also should be aware of any unusual odours that could indicate smoke has been generated by overloaded circuits. Check Your Home for Discolouration and Burning Smells When inspecting your home for a potential wiring problem, check the surfaces of your electrical boxes and other exposed wiring components. If you notice signs of discolouration or burns, then it’s an indication that something is wrong. Additionally, unusual smells can be an indicator that wires are overheating. Be vigilant to catch these issues as soon as they arise in order to avoid any dangerous situations in your home. Make Sure Your Receptacles have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) help protect you and your family from electric shocks caused by faulty wiring. If your home doesn’t have GFCIs, then it may be time to repair or redo the wiring in your home. It’s important to make sure that your relatives and visitors are safe inside of your home; therefore, installing GFCIs is a necessary step for providing a safe environment. Know What Homes Need an Electrical Upgrade Homes built before the mid-1970s are likely in need of an electrical upgrade, as outdated wiring methods and materials increase fire risk. If your home was built around this time period, it’s probably wise to have an electrician inspect and repair the wiring for your safety. Additionally, if you’ve recently remodeled any part of your home, or had a larger appliance installed, GFCIs may be necessary for the safety of everyone living in the house. Regularly inspecting outlets can help determine whether they’re outdated or malfunctioning; conditions like this can put people at risk of electrocution. Inspect the Mechanical Elements Connected to Wiring It's important to regularly inspect the mechanical elements connected to your wiring. Outlets, switches, and breakers wear out over time and can become a safety hazard. Signs that these elements need replacing include sparking, burning odours, crackling noises, frequent circuit breaker trips, or dimming lighting fixtures. These issues should be addressed as soon as possible; faulty connections can become a fire hazard when left unchecked. With all these tips, many homeowners still are unsure of diagnosing their home's electrical wiring on their own. That's where we at Electricians Peterborough come in. With our thorough inspections, we'll be able to get to the bottom of the issues and provide a good solution for your home and prevent a fire hazard.* *A recent example is an electrical fire in 2019 that caused $65,000 in damages in a north-end Peterborough home on Mason Street, an accident that could have been prevented if the home's electrical system was properly inspected. |
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