Now that the winter months are here, you’re going to be more inclined to heat your home through the use of your chosen heating apparatus. That could mean turning on your gas furnace, a fireplace, perhaps even something as simple as a space heater. Whichever option you prefer, you need to keep some very important home heating safety tips in mind.
After all, many of these common methods do involve flames and gas and failing to use caution can result in damage to the home, injury or even death to you and/or members of your family. So here are five of the most important home heating safety tips to keep in mind as the temperatures drop outside.
1.Dry Wood
If you are using a fireplace to heat your home, always remember to use only dry, seasoned wood. That way you know you can build a safe and efficient fire. A good rule of thumb is to season your wood for a period of no fewer than six months. Always store your wood outside, keeping it off the ground and well covered.
2. Chimney Inspections
The best way to avoid causing any fires that could damage your home is to have your chimney inspected on a regular basis. Fireplaces rely on a clean chimney that is free of blockages, soot, or creosote build-up. Therefore, it’s imperative to have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least once a year, based on how often you use your fireplace.
It doesn’t take a significant amount of creosote to build up inside the chimney to catch fire and cause serious damage and risk of death. Creosote is highly flammable and there are different types that can accumulate based on the species of wood you burn.
3. Keeping A Safe Gas Furnace
If your gas furnace is properly maintained by a professional company specializing in heating and air Tulsa, then you shouldn’t have any major safety concerns. Just be sure you give it an annual tune-up, your keep the area around the furnace free and clear of obstructions and you install carbon monoxide alarms around the home.
4. Fire Safety
Anything that involves the use of an open flame, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove, means that you should never, ever leave that fire unattended. Doing so could result in that fire becoming difficult to control and spreading very quickly around the room and the rest of the house. Fire burns very quickly and a majority of house fires are started because the homeowners were careless.
You should also be careful about keeping candles lit and never leave one unattended, even if you’re walking into the next room.
5. Using Space Heaters
Even though space heaters rely on electricity, you must still remain extremely cautious about keeping you and your family safe when using them. Avoid using extension cords and always place a space heater on a sturdy, flat surface. You must also be careful about plugging a space heater in a bathroom or near wet and damp areas.