HVAC Safety Tips You Need to Know
Winter has officially arrived in Edmonton, requiring you to run the heater on full blast to keep your home cozy. Are you certain your furnace, space heater, fireplace and other heating appliances are safe? While crucial for staying warm, heating equipment can pose a danger if not used and maintained properly. Discover some vital heating system safety guidelines to ensure a comfortable and safe winter.
Identifying the Risks
Because homes rely heavily on heating systems in the winter, home fires and heating-related accidents increase this time of year. Some typical risks include:
Candles and holiday decorations: Winter events frequently include decorative lights and candles. Even though these items make the long winter nights more inviting, they can become fire hazards if left unattended or left near flammable materials.
Generators: Operating a generator during a blackout is a good backup plan. But, improper usage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shocks and fires. Ensure these machines are positioned outside and far from windows or doors.
Heating appliances: Space heaters, furnaces and fireplaces contribute significantly to home fires during the colder months. While crafted to run safely, these devices can become hazardous if they are outdated, malfunctioning or not operated safely.
Lack of ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, especially from natural gas, propane or oil heaters.
Old wiring: Older homes with outdated electrical systems may face challenges when trying to meet the demands of modern heating appliances. When operated beyond its capacity, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Wrong use of heating equipment: Using equipment for unintended purposes, like firing up the oven to provide warmth, or placing wet socks over a space heater, can be dangerous.
General Safeguards
Use these safety guidelines in the winter and during the year to keep your home and family safe:
Gas leaks: If you notice a strange rotten egg smell, it may be a gas leak. For your well-being, act immediately—open windows and doors to air out the building, evacuate the area and get in touch with your local gas company and fire department.
Burnable items: Always put anything that can burn a minimum of 3 feet away from heating sources like furnaces, fireplaces and portable space heaters.
Children’s safety: Teach your youngest family members about the hazards of matches, candles and heating equipment. Next, establish a “kid-free zone” near open flames and heaters to avoid accidents.
Electrical safety: Don’t use heating appliances with extension cords or power strips. Also, plug only one high-power-draw device into an electrical outlet at a time. These strategies help stop electrical overloads, which can cause overheating and fires.
Candle safety: Carefully monitor lit candles and make sure they are extinguished before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms: Use these accessories in your home, especially right outside sleeping areas and test them every 30 days.
Ways to Stay Safe with Heating Systems
Here are some helpful heating system safety guidelines to keep in mind this winter:
Professional installation: Because a faulty setup can increase the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock, you should always leave furnace installation to an expert. You’ll appreciate peace of mind for many years, knowing your equipment is working the way it ought to.
Routine maintenance: Yearly inspections of your heating equipment and chimneys by qualified professionals can uncover hidden problems that might not be apparent to the untrained eye. These visits can detect worn-out parts, ventilation issues and potential gas leaks. Regular maintenance also ensures optimum efficiency and helps lengthen your system’s life span.
Space heaters: Do not allow space heaters to run unattended or while you’re sleeping. Position these devices on a stable, non-flammable surface and keep anything that could catch fire away from the front, back and sides of the heater.
Fireplaces: Put a metal screen in front of the fireplace to stop sparks from escaping and igniting nearby objects. Extinguish the flames before leaving home or going to bed. Once it has totally cooled, put the ashes in a metal container and store them outside a safe distance from your premises.
Call McKinley Heating Service Experts for Heating Service in Edmonton
As the winter season intensifies, McKinley Heating Service Experts is ready to protect your comfort and safety. Our certified technicians deliver fast, long-lasting answers for all your heating needs, with services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not thrilled with our service, you can rely on us to make it right. Beyond our technical expertise, McKinley Heating Service Experts is very involved in the local communities we serve and remain committed to innovation and customer engagement. For help ensuring a worry-free winter, call 780-800-7092 today to arrange an appointment with McKinley Heating Service Experts.
