Safety is critical throughout the year, but during the winter, it is even more important, with the furnace working overtime to keep your home comfortable, a greater amount of time spent indoors and higher electrical loads, especially during the holidays.
By taking a few winter home safety precautions, you can help keep your family protected.
Have Your Appliances Serviced
Fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces, can produce carbon monoxide if they are poorly maintained, which can be extremely dangerous or even deadly. Have a professional inspect your furnace and other appliances, performing routine maintenance such as cleaning the burners, checking the heat exchangers, and replacing air filters as necessary. Not only will your appliances be safer afterward, but they will also operate more efficiently, reducing your utility bills.
Change Your Furnace Filter Often
A quality furnace filter not only protects the system and keeps it running efficiently, but it also helps to improve indoor air quality. Check the air filter for your system monthly, and clean or replace it as necessary.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A combination of both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be located in or near each bedroom, as well as on every level of your home. Test each detector monthly, by pressing the “Test” button until the alarm sounds, and replace the batteries in each detector at least twice a year. Some carbon monoxide detectors have a limited lifespan and should be replaced by the date indicated in the literature or on the detector itself.
Avoid Fire Hazards
Keep flammable objects away from stoves, fireplaces or space heaters, and keep a fire extinguisher accessible for emergencies. Use extension cords sparingly on a temporary basis, and avoid overloading them or placing them in high-traffic areas. Inspect appliance or extension cords for damage before use, and unplug holiday lights before going to sleep. Develop and practice a fire escape plan for emergencies, with several alternative exit strategies.
For more winter home safety tips, talk to our HVAC professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services today. We serve Dayton, Springfield and the surrounding areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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