We’re finally past the summer’s triple digit heat and enjoying the amazing fall weather that Arizona is famous for. Soon, the temperatures will drop enough that you may want to turn on the heat. Before you dial up your thermostat, it’s important to remember some critical home heating safety tips.
It’s a sad fact that the majority of home fires occur during the winter months, and many are due to heating-related factors. The following tips can help you and your family stay safe this season.
Keep Household Items Away from Heating Equipment
Newspapers, holiday decorations, clothing, toys and other household items can be extremely flammable when they’re placed too close to heating equipment like furnaces, fireplaces and portable space heaters. To avoid this common cause of house fires, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from sources of heat.
Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning by installing alarms that can alert you and family members that there is a leak. Test these alarms monthly to ensure they’re working properly. Remember, if you smell gas in your home, leave your home immediately and call either your local fire department or your gas provider.
Use Only Qualified Professional Installers
Whether it’s a heat pump, water heater or stationary space heater, choose a qualified professional who installs equipment according to local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
Choose a Sturdy Fireplace Screen
A fire can be a cozy treat on a cold winter’s night. But, it can also be a fire hazard. Make sure that your fireplace has a sturdy screen that prevents sparks and embers from flying into the room. Let fire ashes cool completely before putting them into any kind of container, and always keep ashes a safe distance away from your home.
Schedule Regular Maintenance on HVAC Equipment
HVAC equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure its safety. Call Cool Blew today to schedule a seasonal tune-up at 480-610-2100.
