Winter Safety Tips for Your Home Heating Equipment

Posted on December 16th, 2016 by Devine Bros

Our home heating equipment keeps us warm during the frigid winter months, but it can become a fire hazard if not properly cared for. Follow these five tips from Devine Bros. to keep warm and safe this winter:

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are critical home safety devices, especially during the cold months. At the very least, you should have one of each detector installed on every floor and in every bedroom. Test the batteries of each detector at least once per month to ensure they are working.

Have your furnace professionally inspected.

As your furnace converts fuel into heat, it produces carbon monoxide – a poisonous gas that happens to be colorless and odorless. Usually, this gas is safely vented to the outside, but if there is a blockage, you could be in big trouble. A professional inspection is the best way to ensure your heating system is working properly.

Keep a safety zone around your heating equipment.

Always maintain a three-foot “safety zone” around all of your heating equipment – including furnaces, radiators, space heaters, and fireplaces. Keep this area clear of any flammable materials, water, children, and pets.

Hire a professional chimney sweep service.

Every year, more than 25,000 residential fires occur due to poor chimney maintenance. More times than not, this is caused by a buildup of flammable creosote on the inside of the chimney walls. A professional chimney sweeping service will remove this creosote and eliminate the fire hazard it causes.

Beware of portable space heaters.

Portable space heaters are a good source of supplemental heat, but they can be very dangerous. Purchase a space heater with an automatic shut-off safety switch, and make sure to keep it on a flat, dry surface. Never leave a space heater running unattended.

Devine Bros. offers professional fuel delivery and home heating services to Fairfield County, Connecticut. If you live in Norwalk, Westport, New Canaan, or the surrounding area, give us a call at (203) 866-4421.