4 Tips for Home Heating Safety

As cooler air rolls in, many of us turn on our furnaces or other heat sources to keep warm. While some turn on heat at the first dip of the thermometer, others choose to bundle up until they cannot take it anymore! Regardless of your approach to cold weather, we all need to be aware of the dangers and safe practices of the heat sources in our homes.

Furnaces – Be sure to perform maintenance and check your furnace at the manufacturer's suggested intervals. Ideally this checkup would be done before you fire up the furnace for the season, but it can be done at any time. A simple thing to check that can increase efficiency of the unit is the furnace filter.

Boiler Systems – Many homes are heated using a boiler system instead of a furnace. These systems should also be regularly maintained and inspected to catch any problems before they become a safety concern.

Wood Stoves, Pellet Stoves, and Fireplaces – Wood stoves, pellet stoves, and fireplaces are often used to supplement a furnace or boiler system. Be sure the area around your stove or fireplace is clear of combustible materials such as furniture, paper, and blankets. It is also important that your units are installed correctly to avoid risk of fire and other damage to your home. Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected regularly to avoid any buildup that could expose you to the risk of a chimney fire. Read more tips here: https://www.acuity.com/the-focus/home/tips-to-prevent-chimney-fires.

Space Heaters – Space heaters can be popular in small areas or rooms that never seem to warm up. Space heaters should be used carefully to avoid risks of fire and burns. Space heaters should NEVER be left on when you are not home and should be kept away from furniture and other combustible materials. It is important to regularly inspect electrical cords on units to identify any potential vulnerabilities. Fuel burning units should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces due to exhaust and carbon monoxide concerns.

No matter how you heat your home, you need to be aware of the risks and important safety steps that should be taken. We hope you are healthy, safe, and warm this winter season! For more helpful home care and maintenance topics, visit https://www.acuity.com/the-focus/maintaining-a-home.

Sources:

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-maintain-your-hot-water-boiler-winter.htm

https://www.esfi.org/resource/space-heater-safety-tips-146

https://www.consumerreports.org/space-heaters/space-heater-safety-tips/

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/PortableHeaterSafety.ashx

https://www.acuity.com/the-focus/home/4-tips-for-fireplace-safety