BRITS are bracing for temperatures to soar as high as 40C this week, with a rare “extreme heat” red alert issued for some parts of the country.
To prepare for the incoming heatwave, it is important to know which appliances are safe to use in hot weather, and those that should be unplugged.
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Unplugging devices can prevent devices overheating and keep temperatures cool Credit: Alamy
Hair straighteners, and other electric hair appliances, are prone to overheating substantially Credit: Getty
Electrical appliances, cables and countertop kitchen devices are renowned for overheating when used for too long.
However, when the weather is even higher outside, these items get hotter far quicker, creating increased risks of fire hazards, burns, and surface damage.
Hair straighteners
Electric hair appliances, such as hair straighteners, are capable of rising to extremely high heats if they are kept on.
When left on, the hotter weather can increase its temperature even more, creating more risks of it damaging surfaces or catching on fire.
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To prevent this, it is important to unplug hair straighteners immediately after use, and let them cool down thoroughly afterwards.
Phone, tablet and headphone chargers
Charging phones, headphones and tablets overnight can occassionally cause your device and plug to feel hotter than usual.
These devices can seriously overheat, and use excess energy if not unplugged in hotter weather.
It is recommended to not charge devices overnight, and limit charging time to one to three hours.
Kettles, toasters, and microwaves
Countertop appliances are essential when cooking in the kitchen, and these devices often use lots of heat and energy to power up.
From a money and energy saving perspective, unplugging kettles, toaster and microwaves will help prevent overheating and any extra charges.
These appliances are also likely to surge in usage during the summer and hotter months, so expect significant savings from doing this.
TV’s, computers, and entertainment systems
Everyone knows that our favourite entertainment systems can drain energy quickly, and can also overheat rapidly.
Some appliances can go into standby power mode even when turned off, increasing the cost of your electricity bill without noticing.
Unplugging TV’s, computers, and entertainment systems when they are not in use, or while on a summer holiday, is essential for saving money.
