Top Home Heating Safety Tips to Know in New England
Keeping your home warm in the winter months is of utmost importance. However, it is crucial to ensure you use your heating systems safely to prevent accidents and maintain a secure living environment for you and your family. At Haffner’s, we prioritize safety above all else. We are here to share some essential home heating safety tips to keep top of mind. Read on to learn more.
Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are essential safety devices that can save lives in the event of a fire or gas leak. Install detectors on every level of your home, including inside bedrooms, near heating equipment, and any other area required by applicable laws, codes, or standards. Test the alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed. For the best protection, interconnect all alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your heating systems is crucial to their safe and efficient operation. Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician to ensure your furnace, boiler, or other heating equipment is in good working order. This preventative measure can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into safety hazards.
Keep Heating Equipment Clear
Maintain a clear space around heating equipment, such as furnaces, boilers, and space heaters. Keep flammable materials, such as paper, clothing, and furniture, at least three feet (36 inches) away from heating sources to reduce the risk of fire. Additionally, do not store paints, thinners, or other solvents near your furnace or water heater.
Practice Fireplace Safety
If you have a fireplace, take precautions to ensure safe operation. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually to remove creosote buildup, which can increase the risk of chimney fires. Use a sturdy fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping, and never leave a fire unattended. Ensure that vents and air intake areas are unobstructed for proper airflow and ventilation. Always extinguish the fire completely before going to bed or leaving the house. Keep all-purpose fire extinguishers on each floor of your home, check them often, and know how to use them. Lastly, allow fireplace and wood stove ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container.
Use Space Heaters Safely
Space heaters can be a convenient way to supplement heating in specific areas of your home, but they can also pose fire and burn hazards if not used correctly. The leading cause of space heater fires is combustibles too close to the heaters. Place space heaters on a level, stable surface away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended. Additionally, ensure that space heaters have automatic shut-off features in case they tip over.
Let Haffner’s Guide Your Home Heating Safety Efforts
Keeping your home warm and cozy during the winter months is essential, but it is equally important to prioritize safety when using heating equipment. By following these home heating safety tips, you can ensure a secure living environment for you and your family. There are plenty more, too. Check out our heating safety information page. Remember, at Haffner’s, safety is always our top priority, and we’re here to help you keep your home warm and safe all winter long. Contact us with any questions or concerns at any time.