THE cost of living crisis has meant that many people are feeling the financial pressure this winter, meaning that they are cutting costs where possible.

This comes in the form of buying second-hand clothes, cutting out expensive takeaways, and even socialising with friends less often.

People are also choosing to buy second-hand appliances to keep costs down and use their money elsewhere.

Avon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (AF&RS) is supporting the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliance’s (AMDEA) campaign this week to remind appliance users to register appliances with the manufacturer, be they small or large, and bought, ‘adopted’ or ‘inherited’.

The website, Registermyappliance.org.uk, provides free access to 60 leading brands sold in the UK. Many accept registration of products at least 12 years old and no proof of purchase is needed. This makes for an easy and hassle-free experience.

Registering your appliance is important. Manufacturers can contact you if they find out that a certain appliance is faulty, and can then arrange for a return or a repair.

However, not many people deem it necessary to do this, which puts the lives of themselves and their loved ones at risk. According to a study undertaken by Register my appliance, only 29% of the UK public put regisering their appliance as a priority.

Ben Thompson, temporary group manager at AF&RS says: “Many more people are thinking about buying second hand to cut costs. Some will also be installing products pre-used by another member of their family or maybe adopting a machine already connected when they moved into a new place."

This can be dangerous, since you may not know the machine's history or if there has been a fault identified by the manufacturer in the past.

Ben continues: "But they can still do the sensible thing – it’s easy and free. Registering these appliances means the manufacturer knows where to find it in case of a safety repair or recall.

"It’s also good for anybody in rented or housing association accommodation. You can’t put a price on the peace of mind brought by knowing you’re registered and it might even extend the life of the appliance.”

If you are cost-cutting this season, don't take risks. Register your appliance now for peace of mind.