Lakemba Fire

A new iSelect survey reveals 83 per cent of Aussies admit to at least one dangerous habit in the past year. Picture: NewsWire / David Swift

Aussies are unknowingly risking catastrophic house fires via everyday errors, with a new survey revealing a staggering 83 per cent admitted to at least one dangerous habit in the last year.

Home and contents insurance comparison service iSelect surveyed more than 1,000 Aussies to uncover which dangerous habits the nation is most guilty of around the home.

According to the survey, more than four out of five (83 per cent) admitted to at least one dangerous habit in the past year.

The most common risky routine was electrical complacency, with nearly half of Aussies (48.1 per cent) leaving kitchen appliances, such as kettles and microwaves, plugged in when not in use.

MORE: Bank slammed for tone deaf rates message

Most common household hazards. Source: iSelect

In a close second, 44 per cent admitted to leaving electrical items, such as TVs and computers, plugged in when non operational.

Able to spark fires that spread in minutes, electrical appliances and faults are the cause of 40 per cent of home fires, with 40 to 50 per cent of them starting in the kitchen.

In the kitchen, 12 per cent leave their air fryer plugged in, a concern following recent reports of the common kitchen appliance overheating or even catching fire while idle.

Unplugging appliances is a simple yet crucial safety step to protect your home.

MORE: Aussies warned: $18bn in tax perks to be cut

Lakemba Fire

Electrical appliances and faults are the cause of 40% of home fires. Picture: NewsWire / David Swift

Leaving windows open while no one is home was the third most common risk (33 per cent).

More than a quarter (27 per cent) left dryers, dishwashers or washing machines running while asleep or out and almost one in four (22 per cent) admitted to leaving food on the stove or in the oven while on and unattended.

The data revealed women to be slightly more likely to leave kitchen appliances or windows open, while men were more likely to leave doors unlocked or overload power boards.

MORE: ‘Huge mistake’: How first home dream cost buyer $70k

Most common household hazards by age. Source: iSelect

The survey reveals risky home habits peak in early to mid-adulthood.

Over the past year, those aged 25 to 34 reported the most risky habits, averaging nearly four of the behaviours on the list.

Following closely was those surveyed aged 35 to 44 year old.

Younger adults between the ages of 18 and 34 were found more likely to leave candles burning or share holiday plans online, while those in midlife are more likely to leave dryers, dishwashers or washing machines running while out or asleep.

Those 65 and over reported the fewest risky habits, according to the iSelect research.

MORE: Aussie suburbs with the most singles revealed

Kitchen

Leaving kitchen appliances plugged in when not in use can actually cause fires in certain instances.

The survey also revealed a state-by-state breakdown with Victorians the most likely to leave kitchen appliances plugged in (52.7 per cent).

South Australians were likely to leave other electrical items plugged in (54.2 per cent), and Queenslanders were the most likely to leave windows open (36 per cent) or cooking unattended (24.1 per cent).

NSW and WA sit in the middle of the figures, nevertheless revealing high rates of everyday slips including leaving charging devices on flammable surfaces or leaving doors unlocked.

iSelect general insurance general manager Adrian Bennett said the study serves as a sobering reminder that 83 per cent of Australians are participating in a bad or forgetful habit around the home, which could result in a less secure home.

“Many common habits, such as leaving batteries charging unattended or running a dishwasher while out, can sit in a risky grey area between convenience and failing to take reasonable care,” he said.

“Many people also don’t know that even something as simple as posting your holiday plans online may affect your claim.”

MORE: ‘Madness’: Aussies outraged as 4-metre driveway sells for over $1m

Most common household hazards by state. Source: iSelect

Mr Bennett said home and contents insurance is essential to protect your home against unexpected events, however, it only works if you take steps to protect your property.

“Simple actions such as locking doors and windows, installing security systems, limiting social media sharing about your absence, and checking appliances before leaving can help reduce your risk,” he said.

“It’s worth taking a moment to audit your daily habits and read your policy so you know exactly what’s covered.”

MORE: ‘Not streaming’: Real reason Video Ezy vanished