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Safely Heating Your Home All Winter | SERVPRO® of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
1/24/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
By now, the weather has let us all know that winter is here and ready to stay. It’s likely you have switched your home to heat full-time now, and probably stocked up on firewood as well.
These are certainly regular tasks we all do; however, if you do them without proper preparations, you could be setting yourself up for a fire disaster.
You deserve to stay warm and cozy all winter. Take action to ensure your equipment runs well and your home stays safe.
Furnaces are one of the most common heating systems in homes around our area. In order to function properly long-term, your furnace will require regular maintenance.
Since our cold weather arrived in October this year, there is a good chance you have already given your system a solid inspection. If you haven’t, take the time to clean it thoroughly and make sure it is clear of excess dust.
If you haven’t already done so, you should also replace the filter in your unit. Every 90 days is typically the recommended timeframe for this, but you may want to increase that if you have four-legged children. Use the start of each season as a reminder to change the filter and ensure everything is running well.
The air filter not only helps keep your unit running properly, it also helps clean the air inside your home of dust and other particles that could contribute to your allergies.
Fireplaces can be real statement pieces in your home, and offer the benefit of warmth and coziness. They can be huge fire risks, though, when they are not cleaned and inspected regularly. Both wood-burning and artificial fireplaces that have a chimney or piping need servicing every season.
Wood-burning fireplaces should have ash and soot cleaned, and the chimney and flue should be inspected to ensure there is nothing creating a blockage. Artificial fireplaces need regular dusting, which should include any removable logs and the exterior covering you may use.
Space heaters are a great way to heat a room quickly, especially early in our winter season when the temperature often takes a lot of swings. They do pose a high fire risk, though, so you will need to use them wisely.
Space heaters should be run on a flat surface at least three feet away from any materials. Never leave them running while you sleep, and always plug them directly into a wall outlet. Anything with a heating element requires a high power load that extension cords are not designed for.
Teach your children how to stay safe around space heaters and other heating units. Install child proofing that will keep the youngest and the furriest safe. One single accident can leave your home in complete chaos. Enjoy the cozy season with a fuzzy blanket and the security of knowing your home is fire-safe.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!