During the cold, winter months, you might be taking extra measures to heat your home to a comfortable temperature. This can present potential risks when not done correctly. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe when heating your home.
Keep flammable objects away from heaters
You should never cover an electric heater or space heater, so don’t be tempted to dry your wet clothes over one. They can catch fire fairly quickly. Try to keep any flammable materials, like curtains and fabric furniture, three feet away from these heat sources to prevent them from scorching or catching fire.
Keep children away from heating appliances
If you have young children in the house, it is sensible to keep open fires and hot appliances cordoned off. A screen in front of your fire will stop sparks flying out of the fire, which could burn children or set alight to flammable materials nearby. If the children are old enough to understand, then make sure you explain to them why it’s so important to stay safe by keeping their distance from these appliances.
Don’t leave heating appliances running
If something catches alight while you’re in the room, you’re likely to notice it and deal with the situation before it becomes dangerous. But if you’re not in the house or are asleep, then the fire could spread. Make sure you always switch heaters off before leaving the house and before going to bed at night.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
If a fire does start while you’re sleeping or a faulty furnace or appliance is releasing carbon monoxide, then having properly working alarms could save your life. You should regularly test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, and make sure to change the batteries when they start to run out.
Have your heating equipment maintained professionally
To prevent faulty heating equipment creating a hazard in your home, it’s recommended to have it inspected and maintained to ensure everything is in proper working order. If you’ve pulled out an old heater that you haven’t used since last winter, then have it checked over before firing it up.
If you need help heating your home this winter, then get in touch with AC Express. We can maintain and repair your HVAC system and any small heating appliances you’re using to heat your home. Supporting customers around Winston Salem, Clemmons, and Lewisville.