North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Register My Appliance Week (20-26 January 2025) and is urging all households to register these machines, small or large, to ensure their brands know where to find them.

Whether machines are newly-purchased, long-installed, have been acquired ‘nearly-new’ or second-hand, registration is needed to help ensure the longest possible safe lifespan.

According to research, households could be missing out on important safety information because they have yet to register over 40 million large appliances in use in their homes.

With an estimated 133 million fridges, washing machines and ovens in use in UK homes, nearly a third of household have never or rarely registered their large appliances, rendering them extremely hard to trace if a safety repair is ever needed.

Survey on household appliances

A new survey by OnePoll for the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) found that two thirds (68%) of baby boomers said they could not live without their washing machine, closely followed by Gen X (67%). Millennials differed, however, with 56% valuing equally their washer and fridge.

Inter-generational harmony was shown over the impact washing machines had on domestic life with more than half (58%) agreeing it was significant. High regard was also given to vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, fridges and freezers.

The survey by OnePoll also revealed products once considered luxury items are now regarded as everyday necessities by younger generations. Two thirds of Gen Z considered hair tongs, tumble dryers and air fryers as necessities rather than luxury items. By contrast, however, nearly half (47%) of Gen X (just two ‘generations’ older) consider the trusty tumble dryer an extravagance.

Head of Prevention, North Wales Fire and Rescue, Kevin Jones’ statement

Kevin Jones, Head of Prevention for North Wales Fire and Rescue said : “We all value how appliances have changed our lives and are excited by how smart and efficient tech makes chores easier. However, it’s important to ensure these machines we use everyday are registered. It’s quick as well as absolutely free, and means you will be the first to know if a safety repair is ever needed. Just a few minutes well spent will ensure you can enjoy the machine’s perks without sacrificing safety.”

Recalls on home appliances are rare but issues with the equipment can develop over time and a simple, free in-home adjustment by a qualified engineer can ensure a longer and safer life for machines. But, unlike our cars for which logging details is mandatory, a vast number of these valuable possessions are still untraceable because they are unregistered.

Register My Appliance Week backed by North Wales Fire & Rescue Service: Summary

The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced their support for Register My Appliance Week, taking part over the 20-26 January 2025. Registering your household appliance is necessary for a longer lifespan and to optimise user safety.