When your home’s heating system is working overtime to keep you warm in the winter, it’s much easier for accidental heating fires to start in your home. To prevent this kind of disaster, it’s important to take certain safety precautions. Here’s what you can do to prevent a heating fire in your home when trying to stay warm.
Space Heater Safety
Space heaters are very affordable and convenient for warming cold spots in your home, but they’re also responsible for about 70% of winter home fires and fire-related deaths. It’s important to practice proper safety at all times when using a space heater, or else you could quickly have a fire on your hands.
First, be sure to purchase a space heater with an emergency shut-off feature. This will come in handy if your space heater gets knocked over, especially on carpet. Never leave a space heater unattended. If you’re leaving the room or going to bed, shut it off. Plug your space heater directly into the wall or a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) system. If you notice any malfunctioning or broken parts on your space heater, replace it. Malfunctioning space heaters can easily overheat and become unsafe. Lastly, try to only use your space heater on a flat, non-flammable surface and keep it away from flammable materials like curtains or bedsheets.
Chimney Maintenance and Cleaning
Be sure to have your chimney cleaned every year to avoid soot and creosote buildup, either by a professional chimney sweep or a creosote sweeping log. You should also regularly inspect your fireplace for cracks or air leaks that could lead to household fires by releasing flame or smoke into your home.
If you don’t have a diffusion screen for your fireplace, it’s best to invest in one. These screens keep burning firewood logs from rolling out of your fireplace, and they also prevent sparks from jumping out into your floor. These are especially important if you have carpet or wooden flooring. Finally, keep the space around your fireplace free of any flammable objects and always keep an eye on your fireplace when you’re using it.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You should perform regular checks on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If a heating element malfunctions, a working smoke detector serves as a crucial line of defense to keep you and your family safe. Carbon monoxide detectors are important for detecting gas leaks from your furnace, which can be extremely flammable and cause carbon monoxide poisoning for you and your family. You should perform tests of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least twice a year. If they appear to be broken or malfunctioning, replace them right away to keep your household safe.
Quality HVAC Maintenance with Ellis AC
Regular HVAC maintenance is a key part of keeping your household safe from heating fires. Ellis AC is one of the most trusted HVAC service providers in the DFW area, and we’re dedicated to giving our clients quality service at affordable prices. Our experienced team of HVAC technicians always puts client satisfaction first, so call or visit our website for a free quote today!