Fans and heaters are a must-have in every home to maintain a comfortable environment all year long. You just turn them on and get rid of summer heat or winter chills.
While they appear simple, people often use them improperly. This leads to inefficiency, increased energy costs, and compromised safety.
So, be aware of these mistakes and avoid them at all times!
1. Buying the wrong appliance
Most people assume that any size, model, or brand of fan or heater works for any size of room. However, that’s not the case.
Fans
The efficiency of your fan’s cooling abilities majorly depends on its size. For instance, smaller fans can’t effectively circulate air in larger spaces. On the other hand, an oversized fan in a small space offers too much airflow and noise.
While buying fans, measure your room’s size and ensure the fan is compatible with it. If you’re uncertain, you can always seek the seller’s recommendation.
Make sure pedestal and table fans have sturdy blades, a stable base, and a secure grill.
Heaters
Room heaters can be moved around the house wherever you need warmth. So, in this case, don’t match the heater’s size to the room.
Instead, buy a room heater from a reputable brand with whole-room heat circulation technology. This ensures that no matter how big the room is and where you’re seated, it will keep you warm and cosy.
2. Wrong positioning of appliances
If placed wrong, fans and heaters don’t work efficiently. You must especially keep them far away from walls and furniture.
Fans
The best place to position pedestal fans is near a window. This brings fresh air into the room and cools the room faster.
However, 4.6 million Australians are affected by allergic rhinitis or hay fever. It happens from exposure of the eyes and nose to pollens, animal dander, and dust mites.
If you suffer from hay fever, it’s better to keep your windows closed. Instead, place the fan in the middle of the room, facing towards where you’re seated.
Ensure it’s on a stable and flat surface so the fan doesn’t fall over or get damaged.
Avoid placing it near wet zones, near sinks, bathtubs, and humidifiers to prevent electric hazards. You must also be mindful of kids and pets while placing the fan. Its grill must be tightly secured so they can’t access the blades.
If it’s a ceiling fan, secure it to a strong hook from the ceiling in the middle of the room. Ensure nothing is hanging near the blades.
Heaters
Position heaters around 3 feet away from flammable materials, such as rugs, curtains, or any upholstered furniture.
Avoid placing them in high-traffic zones to prevent them from getting knocked over, causing fires. If your space is small and this is a common possibility, invest in models with tip-over protection. The feature turns off the heater if it falls over.
For homes with pets and kids, mount the heater on a non-flammable surface or install a barrier around it.
3. Using extension cords/power strips
40% of New South Wales’ fires are due to electrical faults. So, be careful while using extension cords or power strips.
Fans
If you use power strips/extension cords for fans, ensure it’s a heavy-duty model with matching amperage or wattage. Avoid daisy-chaining several power strips/extension cords.
Heaters
Never use power strips/extension cords for heaters. Plug them directly into wall outlets to prevent accidents.
4. Overlooking regular maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures your fans and heaters operate efficiently and last long.
Fans
Dust accumulation on a fan reduces its cooling abilities and causes allergies. So, clean the fan blades, motor, and vents once a week for better operation.
Heaters
Inspect room heater cords and plugs for wear and tear signs. Prevent dust accumulation on it to avoid appliance overheating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions during cleaning. Replace its filters regularly.
5. Not switching off appliances
Turn off fans and heaters when you’re not around to prevent accidents.
Fans
Whether you use a pedestal, table, or ceiling fan, turn them off before leaving the room. This also saves energy bills. Secure children and pets if you sleep with it on.
Heaters
Turn off the heater and unplug it from the power outlet before leaving the room or sleeping. Don’t leave it unattended, even for a moment.
Conclusion
The proper usage of fans and heaters enhances their efficiency and creates a cosy environment effortlessly. It’ll also reduce your energy bills and ensure your safety all year round!