An unseasonable blast of hot weather has put the focus firmly on reverse-cycle air conditioners. This week they are working hard to cool houses. When the weather eases back into autumn they will work just as hard to heat.

To manage the changing from cooling to heating, Sharpe Services can’t stress enough the importance of scheduled servicing for reverse-cycle air-conditioners.

If you aren’t convinced, go to any fire authority website and see the pages devoted to how these systems can pose a major risk of house fire if not maintained to the original manufacturer’s specification.

If air conditioners aren’t running at peak performance they can put a huge strain on the switchboard. Set up properly, they are supposed to cycle on and off during use. When they run continuously they can overload the switchboard circuitry, possibly sparking a fire.

With authorities urging families and the elderly to stay at home in these troubled times, this is just one of several household safety issues that are arising. Last week the SA Government warned DIYers were running the risk of fouling their household water supply by installing cheap bidet spray kits during the current toilet paper shortage.

The Office of the Technical Regulator issued a plumbing advisory notice saying these systems must be tested and commissioned by a licensed plumber to prevent a backflow of contaminated toilet water getting into the clean water supply.

Sharpe Services has long been warning of the potential dangers of work undertaken by well-intentioned DIYers. We’ve also stressed the importance of getting major household systems professionally serviced, tested and checked for safety.

With more people spending time at home during the current health crisis, many are attempting tasks required to be done by a licensed technician. Don’t risk your household’s safety.