The Rising Tide of Holiday Home Prices and the Perils of Electric Batteries
September 11, 2024, 4:29 pm
Location: Finland, Mainland Finland, Helsinki sub-region
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1902
The allure of holiday homes is undeniable. They are sanctuaries, escapes from the daily grind. This year, the average price of holiday homes in Finland has surged by 10%. A cozy retreat now costs around €110,000, up from €100,000 last year. The pandemic sparked a buying frenzy, but now the market is stabilizing. Sales figures are climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, signaling a shift in buyer behavior.
The market breathes in two distinct seasons. Winter draws buyers to the snowy fell centers, while summer beckons those near lakes and rivers. The latter offers a dual purpose: a summer getaway and a year-round residence. This year, a late spring delayed sales, but warm summer days ignited interest. Buyers are seeking modern conveniences and remote work capabilities. They want easy access and comfort.
However, owning a holiday home comes with responsibilities. Storms and frost can wreak havoc. Pohjola Insurance warns of the risks. Heatwaves, storms, and freezing temperatures can lead to costly damages. Equipment failures, particularly during extreme weather, are common culprits. Air-conditioning units and refrigerators are vulnerable during heatwaves. Storms can uproot trees, damaging properties and belongings.
Preparation is key. Secure loose items around the property. Inspect roofs for damage after storms. Winter brings its own challenges. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to extensive repairs. Homeowners must drain pipes and shut off water systems if the property is unheated. Even heated homes need precautions. An air source heat pump should not be the sole heat source. A minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius is recommended to prevent freezing.
While holiday homes face natural threats, another danger lurks in urban settings: electric scooter and bicycle batteries. These devices are becoming fire hazards. Statistics show that fires caused by electric transportation devices now outnumber those from phone batteries. The rise of electric scooters and bicycles has led to an alarming increase in fire incidents.
Pohjola Insurance has documented this trend. Charging mishaps are often to blame. Many users neglect safety guidelines. Charging devices overnight or in flammable areas can lead to disaster. A battery left in a wardrobe can ignite, turning a simple charge into a catastrophic fire.
The risks escalate if a battery is damaged. A fall can cause battery cells to swell and release hydrogen, creating a fire hazard. Swollen batteries should be treated as hazardous waste. Ignoring these warnings can have dire consequences.
Safety starts with purchasing reliable devices. Cheap, unknown brands may not meet safety standards. Always read the operating manual and follow instructions. Use the manufacturer’s charger and avoid letting the battery drain too low. Charging should never be left unattended.
Location matters. Charge batteries on non-flammable surfaces, away from exits and flammable materials. Bedrooms and hallways are not safe zones. A small fire extinguisher is a wise investment. Battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish with water or blankets.
Insurance is another layer of protection. Ensure your home insurance covers potential fire damage. A functioning fire alarm is essential.
As the market for holiday homes continues to rise, so do the responsibilities of ownership. Buyers must prepare for the elements and the unexpected. The allure of a holiday retreat is strong, but it comes with risks.
Electric devices, while convenient, introduce new dangers. Awareness and caution are paramount. The charm of a holiday home should not be overshadowed by preventable disasters.
In conclusion, the world of holiday homes and electric devices is evolving. Prices are climbing, and safety concerns are growing. Embrace the joy of ownership, but do so with vigilance. Prepare for winter storms and safeguard against battery fires. The beauty of a holiday home lies in its ability to provide peace and joy. Let’s keep it that way.
The market breathes in two distinct seasons. Winter draws buyers to the snowy fell centers, while summer beckons those near lakes and rivers. The latter offers a dual purpose: a summer getaway and a year-round residence. This year, a late spring delayed sales, but warm summer days ignited interest. Buyers are seeking modern conveniences and remote work capabilities. They want easy access and comfort.
However, owning a holiday home comes with responsibilities. Storms and frost can wreak havoc. Pohjola Insurance warns of the risks. Heatwaves, storms, and freezing temperatures can lead to costly damages. Equipment failures, particularly during extreme weather, are common culprits. Air-conditioning units and refrigerators are vulnerable during heatwaves. Storms can uproot trees, damaging properties and belongings.
Preparation is key. Secure loose items around the property. Inspect roofs for damage after storms. Winter brings its own challenges. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to extensive repairs. Homeowners must drain pipes and shut off water systems if the property is unheated. Even heated homes need precautions. An air source heat pump should not be the sole heat source. A minimum temperature of 12 degrees Celsius is recommended to prevent freezing.
While holiday homes face natural threats, another danger lurks in urban settings: electric scooter and bicycle batteries. These devices are becoming fire hazards. Statistics show that fires caused by electric transportation devices now outnumber those from phone batteries. The rise of electric scooters and bicycles has led to an alarming increase in fire incidents.
Pohjola Insurance has documented this trend. Charging mishaps are often to blame. Many users neglect safety guidelines. Charging devices overnight or in flammable areas can lead to disaster. A battery left in a wardrobe can ignite, turning a simple charge into a catastrophic fire.
The risks escalate if a battery is damaged. A fall can cause battery cells to swell and release hydrogen, creating a fire hazard. Swollen batteries should be treated as hazardous waste. Ignoring these warnings can have dire consequences.
Safety starts with purchasing reliable devices. Cheap, unknown brands may not meet safety standards. Always read the operating manual and follow instructions. Use the manufacturer’s charger and avoid letting the battery drain too low. Charging should never be left unattended.
Location matters. Charge batteries on non-flammable surfaces, away from exits and flammable materials. Bedrooms and hallways are not safe zones. A small fire extinguisher is a wise investment. Battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish with water or blankets.
Insurance is another layer of protection. Ensure your home insurance covers potential fire damage. A functioning fire alarm is essential.
As the market for holiday homes continues to rise, so do the responsibilities of ownership. Buyers must prepare for the elements and the unexpected. The allure of a holiday retreat is strong, but it comes with risks.
Electric devices, while convenient, introduce new dangers. Awareness and caution are paramount. The charm of a holiday home should not be overshadowed by preventable disasters.
In conclusion, the world of holiday homes and electric devices is evolving. Prices are climbing, and safety concerns are growing. Embrace the joy of ownership, but do so with vigilance. Prepare for winter storms and safeguard against battery fires. The beauty of a holiday home lies in its ability to provide peace and joy. Let’s keep it that way.