HVAC Safety Tips You Need to Know
Winter has officially arrived in Calgary, leaving you no choice but to run the heater at its highest setting to keep your home cozy. Are you confident your furnace, space heater, fireplace and other heating devices are safe? While vital for staying warm, heating equipment can be risky if not used and maintained properly. Check out some vital heating system safety guidelines to ensure a comfortable and safe winter.
Understanding the Risks
Because homes rely heavily on heating systems in the winter, home fires and heating-related accidents increase this time of year. Some frequent risks include:
Candles and holiday decorations: Winter events often 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. On the other hand, incorrect use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shocks and fires. Ensure these appliances are located outside and far from windows or doors.
Heating appliances: Space heaters, furnaces and fireplaces contribute significantly to home fires during the winter season. Even though crafted to function safely, these devices can become risky if they are outdated, malfunctioning or not operated safely.
Poor ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can result in 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Old wiring: Older homes with outdated electrical systems may face challenges when trying to meet the demands of today’s heating appliances. When overloaded, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Wrong use of heating devices: Using equipment for unintended purposes, like running the oven to provide warmth, or placing wet socks over a space heater, can be hazardous.
General Guidelines
Observe these safety guidelines in the winter and throughout the year to keep your household and family safe:
Gas leaks: If you notice an inexplicable rotten egg smell, it might be a gas leak. For your well-being, act immediately—open windows and doors to air things out, evacuate the area and contact your local gas company and fire department.
Flammable items: Make sure to place anything that can burn a minimum of 3 feet away from heating sources like furnaces, fireplaces and portable space heaters.
Children’s safety: Instruct your youngest family members about the dangers of matches, candles and heating equipment. Then, establish a “kid-free zone” close to open flames and heaters to prevent accidents.
Electrical safety: Avoid plugging heating appliances into extension cords or power strips. Additionally, plug only one high-power-draw device into an electrical outlet at a time. These strategies help prevent electrical overloads, which can cause overheating and fires.
Candle safety: Thoroughly watch lit candles and extinguish them before exiting the room or going to sleep.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: Install these products in your home, especially right by sleeping areas and test them monthly.
Specific Heating Equipment Tips
Here are several heating system safety tips to keep in mind this winter:
Professional setup: Because a poor setup can increase the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock, you should always leave furnace installation to a professional. You’ll appreciate peace of mind for many years, knowing your equipment is running the way it ought to.
Regular maintenance: Yearly inspections of your heating equipment and chimneys by qualified professionals can discover hidden issues that might not be visible to the untrained eye. These inspections can identify worn-out parts, ventilation malfunctions and potential gas leaks. Scheduled maintenance also ensures optimum efficiency and extends your system’s life span.
Space heaters: You shouldn’t ever allow space heaters to operate unattended or while you’re in bed. Place these items on a stable, non-flammable surface and keep anything that could catch fire away from the front, back and sides of the unit.
Fireplaces: Place a metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent sparks from flying out and igniting nearby items. Put out the flames before leaving home or nodding off to sleep. Once it has completely cooled, collect the ashes in a metal container and store them outside a safe distance from your house.
Call A1 Chesney Service Experts for Heating Service in Calgary
As the winter season intensifies, A1 Chesney Service Experts is ready to preserve your comfort and protection. Our certified technicians supply fast, long-lasting solutions for all your heating needs, with services backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with our service, you can count on us to make it right. Beyond our technical expertise, A1 Chesney Service Experts is deeply involved in the local communities we serve and remain devoted to innovation and customer engagement. For help ensuring a worry-free winter, call 587-315-5271 today to arrange an appointment with A1 Chesney Service Experts.
