It’s almost time to switch that thermostat from “cool” t o “heat,” meaning you want to make sure your furnace and other heating equipment is working properly. This will not only ensure you stay comfortable through winter, but will also keep you and your family safe.
Read here for safety tips for heating your home.
FURNACE:
- If you haven’t already, schedule a professional inspection and maintenance appointment. An HVAC contractor can clean your system and make sure all parts are operating as they should.
- Change your unit’s filter so your furnace will work as efficiently as possible and not waste you money. You should do this ideally every three or four months.
- Keep the area around your furnace clear of boxes and other items you might have in storage. These could be flammable or block air flow.
SPACE HEATERS:
- Never leave a space heater on and unattended for long periods of time. Turn it off when leaving your home or going to sleep.
- Keep all objects at least three feet away from the heater, as it can be a fire hazard.
FIREPLACES:
- Make sure your chimney is clean and clear of build-up.
- Your fireplace should have a screen or guard to protect the living area from open flames.
- Don’t use just anything to burn in the fireplace. Stick to seasoned woods; coated papers contain chemicals that could be released into the air.
OVEN:
- Never use your oven to heat your home. It is not built to run for extended periods of time, and can cause a fire or explosion.
Safety when heating your home should not be taken lightly. Take these tips into serious consideration when thinking about heating this winter.
Courtesy of Central Heating
