Put A Freeze On Home Fires This Fall & Winter

How do you prevent cold toes and runny noses in the winter? You crank up the furnace, light up the fireplace, or turn on your space heater. These simple contributors to home heating are probably things you’ve been doing your whole life, but have you been doing them safely? Not following correct fire prevention safety tips can leave your home and your family in danger. Learn how to put a freeze on home fires now with these simple, yet effective tips.

Space Heaters

If you live in or around Childersburg, it’s likely you’ve used a space heater to keep warm on cold days. With changing temperatures throughout the day, sometimes our heating system just can’t keep up quickly enough and a space heater is the best option to warm up our cold toes! While space heaters are great for warming us up quickly, they can also be very dangerous if not used correctly. Follow these tips to ensure nothing goes wrong with your space heater this winter:

• Space heaters should never be left unattended while running.
• Unplug space heaters before leaving the room or your house.
• NEVER connect a space heater to an extension cord.
• If the space heater has a damaged cord or plug, do not use it.
• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance from objects around, especially in front of the space heater.

Fireplace

While fireplaces are beautiful statement pieces, great for decorating during any season, they’re also an effective and more traditional way of keeping us warm in the winter. However, there are safety protocols that must be followed when using your fireplace this season to ensure fire prevention. 

• Regularly clean and inspect your chimney (especially before lighting up the fireplace for the first time this season). 
• Ensure there is at least 3 feet of clearance from objects around the fireplace, including decorations. Don’t use hanging decor on the mantle when using the fireplace.
• Always use a screen to keep loose embers and sparks from escaping the fireplace.
• Never use flammable liquids to ignite a fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended.

Oven

While the oven isn’t a source of home heating, it is an appliance that could start a home fire, and it’s important you know how to prevent that.

• NEVER use your oven to heat your home.
• Clean the oven before cooking in it.
• If you smell gas coming from the oven, open a window, evacuate the home if possible, and contact a professional.
• NEVER use your oven for storage.

Candles

Candles bring the aroma of the season into our Childersburg homes, and while they might not bring the heat, they make us feel warm and cozy! However, they can also be very dangerous if not used correctly. 

• Do not leave burning candles unattended. 
• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
• Blow out candles when you leave a room.
• Keep candles in sturdy candle holders and locations.
• Do not use candles during power outages as they can be easily knocked over.

Heating Equipment Safety Tips

The most important component of heating your home in the fall and winter is your heating system! Whether it’s a furnace or a heat pump, your heating system works to keep your whole home comfortable and needs regular care to continue working properly throughout every season. Follow these safety guidelines regarding your heating system to prevent home fires.

• When installing a wood burning stove, have a professional do the work. They’ll be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Any fuel burning equipment should be vented outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep plenty of clearance around the stove, at least 3 feet, more if possible.
• When installing stationary central heating equipment, have a licensed professional from Sleeping Giant do the work. We’re trained on installation methods for local codes and will ensure your system is installed properly for the comfort of your home and the safety of your family.
• Get a maintenance plan for your heating system. Our maintenance plans make sure your system runs smoothly throughout every season and ensures increased efficiency and prolonged system life to save you money.
• Smell gas? Turn off the appliance immediately and evacuate. Call the fire department or your local gas company for the next steps.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Regularly test your alarms to ensure they’re working properly.

Learn More

If you are interested in a free in-home quote on a new furnace or heat pump for your Childersburg home, call Sleeping Giant at (256) 378-6556. We are your locally owned American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Childersburg, AL, and we can help you find the right heating system for your home. 

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