Our dehumidifiers are an important appliance in our homes, especially during the humid summer months. But did you know that dehumidifiers can pose a fire risk? You don’t want to pay for costly property restoration services, especially if you don’t have insurance to cover this.
Here are a few facts about dehumidifiers you should know and how to prevent fires:
What Are Dehumidifiers?
Dehumidifiers are appliances that eliminate moisture from the air. This is necessary because too much moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew to grow, leading to health problems.
These devices utilize a fan to draw in air from the room. The air then passes over a cold coil, which causes the water vapor in the air to condense on the coil. The water is then collected in a reservoir, and the now-dry air is blown back into the room.
While dehumidifiers effectively reduce moisture in the air, they can also be a fire hazard. This is because the coils inside the dehumidifier can get very hot, which can cause items that are close by to catch on fire.
How to Know if Your Dehumidifier Is a Fire Risk
There are some things you can look for to see if your dehumidifier is a fire risk:
- Check the coils. If the coils are rusted or damaged, this could signify that the dehumidifier is not working properly and is a fire risk.
- Look for signs of overheating. If the outside of the dehumidifier feels hot to the touch, this is a sign that it is overheating and is a fire risk.
- Check the cord. If the cord is frayed or damaged, this could be another sign that the dehumidifier is a fire risk.
- Listen for strange noises. If you hear strange noises from the dehumidifier, this could be a sign that it is malfunctioning and is a fire risk.
- Check for leaks. If you see any water leaking from the dehumidifier, this could be a sign that it is not working properly and is a fire risk.
If you notice any of these signs, you must stop using the dehumidifier and unplug it from the outlet. You should then contact a professional to have the dehumidifier repaired or replaced.
Tips to Avoid Dehumidifier Fires
1. Have Your Dehumidifiers Be Inspected Regularly
It is important to have your dehumidifiers regularly inspected by a professional. This will help ensure that they are in good working condition and no potential fire hazards. In general, dehumidifiers should be inspected every two years.
2. Install Smoke Alarms in Your Home
Another way to help prevent dehumidifier fires is to install smoke alarms in your home. Smoke alarms can help warn you of a fire before it gets out of control. You must test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure that they are working properly.
3. Keep Dehumidifiers Away from Heat Sources
You should also keep dehumidifiers away from heat sources, such as radiators, stoves, and fireplaces. It can overheat and catch fire if the unit is too close to a heat source,
4. Never Leave Dehumidifiers Unattended
You should never leave dehumidifiers unattended. If you will be away from home for an extended period, it is best to turn off the appliance and unplug it from the outlet.
5. Do Not Use Damaged or Leaking Dehumidifiers
Do not use it if you notice any damage or leaks on your dehumidifier. Instead, take it to a professional for repairs or replacement.
6. Keep the Area Around Your Dehumidifier Clear
There should be enough space around your dehumidifier so that air can circulate freely. This will help prevent the unit from overheating. If a fire occurs due to your dehumidifier overheating, call fire damage restoration experts, such as PuroClean, to clean up and save whatever is left of your property.
Keep in Mind
Dehumidifiers can pose a fire risk if they are not properly maintained. One of the most common problems with these appliances is that they can overheat. If you have a dehumidifier, regularly inspect it for signs of wear and tear.
Call a professional to have it serviced every two years and keep it away from heat sources. Most importantly, contact a fire damage restoration company after a fire to ensure that your home is properly cleaned and restored.