Cooking Fires
The #1 cause of house fires, accounting for 42% of reported incidents, is cooking.
One of the leading causes of electrical fires is loose-fitting plugs. When a plug isn't snug against the outlet, it can cause arcing (a spark of electricity).
Faulty Electrical Outlets and Aging Appliances
Electrical outlets and aging appliances are a common cause of home electrical fires. Frayed cords, damaged wiring, or overheating appliances can quickly ignite nearby materials. It's essential to inspect all appliances for wear and replace them regularly to prevent fires.
Any electrical appliance that is left plugged in to the mains could cause a fire. Some appliances like fridges and freezers are designed to be left on, but even these can cause fires if they are not used properly.
Your HVAC system uses the most energy of any single appliance or system at 46 percent of the average U.S. home's energy consumption.
Dryers often outlast washers. “For example,” Andrea says, “when we moved into our new home, we bought a new washer but decided to wait for the old dryer to break down before getting a matching one.
One major culprit is the switch from mechanical to electrical systems powering the appliances. “There are a lot more sensors in appliances,” says Darin Williams, owner of Reliable Appliance in Anchorage. “Now, you have digital integration into motors versus strictly mechanical motors.
Whilst they can start naturally, see Information note - Wildfire, it is estimated that 90% of all wildfires across the globe are caused by humans. About 30% of those are started as a deliberate act of arson, whilst 70% are started accidentally or as a direct result of human carelessness.
Home fires can happen at any time, but they generally increase during the fall and winter, with December and January being the peak months. Home fires are also more common on Saturday and Sunday, and tend to peak between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.
Every year, firefighters across the country respond to around 13,820 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the latest figures from the National Fire Protection Association. About 27 percent of these fires are caused by an accumulation of lint, which can constrict the ductwork that expels hot air outside.
Wiring issues, faulty components, or power surges can lead to overheating and eventually start a fire. Heating Elements: The heating element inside a dishwasher is designed to dry dishes at the end of a cycle. If the element malfunctions, it can overheat or fail to shut off properly, creating a significant fire hazard.
Fire Extinguisher
This may be the most obvious safety item on our list. Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher, but preferably more. One should stay in the kitchen within easy reach in case of grease fires or a towel getting too close to your burner (it happens to the best of us!).
Yes. Since toasters contain an electrical heating element, they can still generate heat and malfunction even while unplugged. Still, in a fire, you should always try to cut the power where possible.
For example, if your current dryer is more than 15 years old, it's probably best to replace it since this is about the time when most dryers reach the end of their serviceable lifespan (both gas and electric unit).
Behind: Allow about 6 inches behind the machines for venting space, hoses, cords and floor trim. Sides: Leave about an inch of space between and on each side of your washer and dryer to minimize noise.
Washer, 10-14 years, and Dryer, 10-13 years:
The life of a laundry machine is completely dependent on how often it's run.
Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.
Ranges and Stoves. With cooking as the most common cause of house fires in the US, ranges and stoves are at the top of the list for fire-starting appliances. These essential appliances can become hazards mainly due to unattended use.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for as much as 5% to 10% of residential energy use, and homeowners could save $100 to $200 each year on utility bills by unplugging devices that aren't in use.
These products are designed for use while you are awake and can pose a serious fire risk if left unattended while you are sleeping. Using a heating pad or electric blanket while you are sleeping can pose a significant fire risk, as you may not be aware if the product overheats or malfunction.
While it's not unsafe to leave a TV plugged in when not in use, it is slightly safer to unplug the TV from the wall.