A guide to protecting your Home Appliances
Since the microwave was invented for home use in 1967, our lives have been flooded with technology, making life more convenient. Imagine going without your daily essentials like showers, washing machines, fridges, freezers and heating. How many household appliances shape your routine?
Making sure your home appliances are safe is crucial, not only for them to last, but also for keeping you and your family safe. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to keep your appliances safe and secure.
Don’t forget, having the right home insurance could be the best safety net you can buy when it comes to keeping your household running. Make sure the policy you choose includes cover for appliances if you want them covered, as not all house insurance policies offer this as standard. Here at GoSkippy, we offer a variety of optional extras. You can create a cover to suit you by adding on our appliance cover. Find out more about what is covered
5 tips to keep your appliances working and safe:
1. Do regular maintenance
Your appliances need regular maintenance to function at their best. Some appliances, like a boiler, need a scheduled inspection. It should also be serviced at least once a year, so it is safe and functions correctly. Leaving your boiler unchecked could affect its performance and possibly invalidate its warranty.[1] To find a safe, qualified boiler engineer, you can check the gas safety register here.
Remove dust, lint, and debris from your other electrical devices to prevent overheating and check for any loose wires or connections. For example, don’t leave a threadbare plug – repair it immediately. If you don’t know how to do this yourself, hire a professional electrician. Shake all the crumbs from your toaster every so often. These simple practices can prevent potential hazards and extend the life of your appliances.
2. Follow instructions carefully:
Every appliance should come with a set of usage guidelines. Follow them carefully to avoid overheating circuits or putting unnecessary stress on the appliance.
With so many electronic devices in the house it can be tempting to use lots of extension leads or multiway plug adaptors. However, try not to use more than one plug per socket. Especially for high powered appliances such as washing machines and tumble dryers. Here are some safety tips on how to use extension leads effectively.
3. Update software regularly:
If you have smart appliances, keeping their software up to date is crucial. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance and address security vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates and install them promptly to ensure your smart devices are operating safely.
4. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:
Appliance-related accidents, such as electrical fires or gas leaks, can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home adds an extra layer of protection. Make sure to test these detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed. If you rent your home, it’s a legal requirement your landlord installs at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house. A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in every room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). If you own your house, this is also best practice.[2]
You can easily test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms by pressing the test button. If you aren’t sure how, just refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Get the right home insurance coverage:
Even with all the precautions in place, accidents can still happen. That’s where reliable home insurance comes into play. A comprehensive home insurance policy can provide financial protection and peace of mind in the face of unexpected challenges. First, decide if you need Building only, Contents Only or Building and Contents Insurance. Then GoSkippy can help with an optional extra product, so if your house appliances break down or need replacing, you can be protected.
Last year Home insurance providers paid out the equivalent of £8.6 million every day to help household cope with the unexpected. As well as this, the number of payouts throughout 2023 jumped by 21%. Proving how important it is to have the correct Home Insurance cover for your property. [3]
Here at GoSkippy you can upgrade your Home insurance policy to Appliance Cover for just £34.99 per annum*. For full details of what is covered with our home appliances add on, head here.
Remember, it’s not just about safeguarding your appliances; it’s about securing your home and the well-being of your loved ones.
Want to know more about how Home Insurance can help you? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Home Insurance to find out more.
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Get a quote today with GoSkippy
*As of January 2024.
[1] How Often Should I Service My Boiler? | Boiler Guide
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords/the-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-england-regulations-2015-qa-booklet-for-the-private-rented-sector-landlords-and-tenants
