With temperatures in parts of the UK set to hit 40°C this week, many Brits will try just about anything to keep cool.
One of the heatwave hacks doing the rounds on social media involves creating a ‘DIY AC unit’.
Some users claim tying bags of ice to your fan can help to keep your home nice and chilly.
Others even go so far as to cover their fan with a frozen towel.
While you might be tempted to give these methods a go, experts from Electrical Safety First have warned that they could prove fatal.
As the ice melts, the water can come into contact with your fan’s motor – leaving you vulnerable to electric shocks.
Giuseppe Capanna, Product Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First, said: ‘Avoid being lured in by viral heatwave hacks that we see on social media sites like TikTok.
‘It’s not uncommon for these hacks to expose you to the risk of electric shock.’
Thousands of videos have been posted on TikTok advising on how to adapt your basic fan to create a ‘DIY AC unit’
As the UK suffers yet another heatwave, Electrical Safety First has revealed the common mistakes you might be making with your fan.
Beyond following dangerous TikTok trends, the consumer safety charity advises not leaving your fan on overnight.
‘It may be tempting to keep the cool air flowing as the nights become humid, but households are putting themselves at risk if a fault occurs with their device while they are sleeping,’ it explained.
‘We advise turning your fan off before going to sleep.’
If you simply can’t sleep without your fan on, the experts advise checking you have a working smoke alarm in your home.
Electrical Safety First also suggests placing your fan on a flat, stable surface to reduce the risk of it tipping over, and regularly clearing your fan of dust.
‘If the vents or the motor build up with dust, there are two risks: one, the motor may be placed under additional strain from the dust and grime, and two, the dust could become a source of ignition if the motor were to overheat,’ it said.
‘Always clean your vents to ensure your fan works efficiently and is kept in good condition.
One of the most popular heatwave hacks on TikTok sees users attach frozen bottles of water to the back of their fan
‘Make sure to unplug your fan and to follow manufacturers’ instructions before opening the guard or attempting to clean the fan.’
If your fan is giving off a faint buzzing sound, don’t ignore it – this could be a warning sign of an electrical fault, according to the experts.
Meanwhile, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any wear and tear on the fan, as well as its cables.
Mr Capanna added: ‘As temperatures rise, we expect shoppers will scramble for fans in a bid to stay cool, with many being tempted by cheaper versions they may see on social media or via online marketplaces.
‘Safety begins with where you shop and we always advise sticking to reputable high street retailers where you know your product will be made to a high standard.
‘How you use your fan is really important too and as tempting as it might be to keep it on throughout the night, we advise against it.
‘In the event a fault occurs with your fan during the night your response time is greatly reduced when you’re asleep.
‘You can ensure you’re not unknowingly using a faulty fan to begin with by checking it hasn’t been recalled by the manufacturer or developed a fault during its lifespan.’
