As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of fire safety regulations and have regular HVAC maintenance performed.
If your AC system was running on heavy-duty during summer, it’s time to prepare your HVAC system for the winter. And, by that, we mean that you need to watch your furnace and the functioning of the whole system closely in order to prevent a home fire. According to statistics by the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of fires during the cold months, with over 50,000 fires each year.
As a homeowner, you need to be aware of fire safety regulations when it comes to your HVAC system and do the necessary maintenance to ensure everything will be running smoothly during the upcoming season.
Here are 5 HVAC fire safety tips for the winter:
Keep the Furnace Room Unclogged
No matter what equipment you are using to heat up your home, keep any flammable materials at least two feet away from it. Many homeowners have a designated room or more like a closet where the furnace is, and they tend to use the apparent extra space to store boxes, cleaning supplies, rags, etc. That space is not to be used for storage, but it must be kept clear to prevent any fire.
Do Routine HVAC Maintenance each Fall
Your HVAC system should be checked by a professional each spring and each fall to make sure they run properly in the upcoming hot or cold season. Filters should be changed, the duct system inspected and any repairs should be done during the fall before they can cause an incident.
Check Each of Your Smoke Alarms
With all the precautionary measures, fires can start for a variety of unpredictable reasons. This is why you should have functional smoke alarms in every part of the house. Make sure you check them all before putting the furnace in use, change the batteries, and test them.
Check the Air Circulation in Your Duct System
Poor ventilation and air circulation can cause the furnace to overheat and develop other issues that lead to a fire.
Install Gas Detectors If You Have a Furnace Running on Gas
Another line of defense against home fires, next to fire alarms, are gas detectors. If your furnace runs on gas, it’s very important to be warned when there is a leak, as gas is odorless and might not be noticed until it’s too late.
Inspect the Equipment Regularly
These five tips to increase fire safety in your home when winter comes are crucial to keep you and your family safe from hazards.