How To Prevent Accidental Heating Fires
Our heaters are a big part of what keeps our homes safe, warm, and comfy during the coldest months of the year. They typically do their job well. However, heater-related accidents can still happen. The National Fire Protection Association states that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of fire in many US homes. Don’t let your home be a statistic. Most of these accidents can be prevented if you keep your heating system in check and follow the heating safety tips below.
How To Prevent Accidental Heating Fires
Contents
This article shares a few safety guidelines that all homeowners should keep in mind when using heating equipment at home.
Furnace Inspection
Many furnaces utilize propane, natural gas, or heating oil to generate heat. The conditioned air is circulated via the ductwork. With such a complex system, it is no wonder that a lot of things can go wrong. Therefore, it is best to get your heating unit professionally maintained once a year.
During an HVAC tune-up, a professional technician will thoroughly inspect all components, including the ducts. Every part is cleaned and lubricated so that there will be no clogs. Any flammable materials within the vicinity are removed as well. Professionals also ensure that your system operates safely as most units rely on fuel and electricity, which can cause fires. Homeowners can do their part by cleaning or replacing the furnace filters when they get dirty.
Contact your local trusted HVAC company to conduct a thorough checkup on your heating system today. If you live in Hartford County, Connecticut, take advantage of Tower Energy’s trusted heating services. Book a service appointment today!
Chimney Cleaning
A fireplace can add warmth and ambiance to your home. However, this nice addition to your home needs proper upkeep so that it stays in good shape. It can get dirty fast as soot and dirt tend to build up in it. You might use it only a few times but keep in mind it still needs to be cleaned by an expert. Consider using products that will help keep your chimney clean longer as well. This way, the smoke has a clear path to escape out of your home instead of getting trapped inside. You might end up with a home that is too hot when that happens.
Chimney Damage Assessment
Chimneys should have airtight sides. Cracks can form as time passes. These can be due to different reasons, such as water seepage, material degradation, and low-quality workmanship. When there are cracks, air will pass through and blow the fire where you don’t want it to be. The fire could be blown towards your living room instead of staying within the confines of the fireplace. Any nearby flammable objects like carpets and décor can catch fire when this happens. If you have an old chimney, have a professional check it for any structural damage before you light up your fireplace.
Screen Barrier For Your Chimney
Due to the possibility of having fire blown inside your house, all flammable objects should steer clear of your fireplace. You can also install a diffusion screen. This will act as a barrier that will protect your room from the flames in your fireplace. It allows you to keep an eye on the flames while having peace of mind that there won’t be any stray sparks or logs going inside your living room. With a diffusion screen in place, you can use your fireplace without worry.
Using A Space Heater
If you are yet to purchase a heater, take this opportunity to check all the products’ safety features. The unit should have an emergency cut-off feature. This will ensure your safety even if accidents happen. For instance, your dog or kids might knock the heater over. With this feature in place, the unit should switch off automatically and prevent your carpet from heating up and catching fire. After all, space heaters that overload the circuit are one of the usual causes of winter fires.
Make sure that all space heaters are only in use when there is someone present in the room. They should also be placed on flat floors. It is recommended that the ground be made of concrete or tiles instead of carpet. Remove all flammable materials away from the heater as well. Keep the heater away from shelves, beds, and windows. Any object should be at least kept at a three-feet distance from the heater when it is turned on. Don’t forget to switch it off when all occupants leave the room.
Laundry Room Clearing
The laundry might be the last thing on your mind when it comes to preventing fires. However, fire can develop from the laundry room as well. The dryer is connected to a duct of warm air. Unfortunately, lint can accumulate in this area. Certain conditions can lead to the lint sparking and be the cause of a fire. Although the dryer has a lint-capturing mechanism, it is not fully effective in trapping all of them. Therefore, you must have the ducts regularly cleaned as a precaution.
Water Heater Replacement
Water heaters are essential as they prevent frozen pipes and provide you with warm water during the winter season. However, it can wear out just like any other equipment. Some of the issues you might encounter include mineral build-up, faulty thermostats, and heating failures. A malfunctioning water heater can also cause a fire if it continues to operate under heavy strain. If you have an older water heater, consider replacing it. If a replacement is unnecessary, make sure that a professional also performs all needed repairs and maintenance to keep it in tiptop shape.
Switch To Central Heating
Part of the reason space heaters cause a fire is because they come in contact with the objects inside the room. If you switch to central heating, there is only one room you need to fireproof to prevent fires from happening in your home. Although this might seem like a costly solution, the investment is undoubtedly worth it if it means you save the rest of your house from fire.
Conclusion
Fires are one of the most dangerous events that can take place in your home. Therefore, all efforts should be made to ensure that it is prevented at all costs. Seek professional assistance when needed so that you get the best possible outcome.
Call Tower Energy For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
When you need high-quality HVAC services in Hartford County, Connecticut, make sure to contact Tower Energy. We have a team of professionally certified and highly trained heating and cooling technicians on staff. With their experience and knowledge, they can service your HVAC system accurately, the first time around. Some of our services include AC repairs, furnace maintenance, ductless installations, boiler replacements, to name a few.
Our company guarantees affordable HVAC service rates. Our maintenance services can increase your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. If you need to replace your existing system, we can recommend the best make and model that suits your household needs and budget. Your satisfaction is essential to us. Therefore, we back all our work with a guarantee. Book an appointment with Tower Energy today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now or call us at (860) 677-7347 to find out more.