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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

winter

5 HVAC Fire Safety Tips to Remember as Winter Approaches

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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. 

hvac fire safety

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.

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7 Things You Should Do Now to Prepare Your Home for Winter

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Follow these simple steps to prepare your home for the cold months ahead.

St. Louis heating company

Last year’s winter season took its toll on Missouri homeowners who had not properly prepared for the onset of cold weather and large amounts of snow. Do not be caught unprepared this year; follow these simple steps to make sure that your home and the HVAC system are ready for the cold months ahead.

Cold Weather Checklist

  1. Have fully-stocked emergency kits inside all of your cars. This way, no matter where you are, when snow or freezing temperatures hit you will be ready. The emergency kits should be equipped with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and drinking water.
  2. Check your home for leaks. You are putting your home HVAC system under extra strain if cold air is able to pass into your house. Around the doors and windows is one of the most obvious areas, but pipes and outlets are also leak culprits. Keep your home cozy by sealing those leaks before winter begins. The dryer vent is also a potential hot spot for drafts. Check your clothes dryer vent and make sure that the flap is still shutting tight but also opens easily.
  3. Have your gutters checked and cleaned. Snow and ice are hard on the gutters, so make sure they are clear of any debris to allow water to flow down and away from your home.
  4. Change the rotation of your ceiling fans so that they are moving in a clockwise direction. This will help you to disperse heat evenly throughout the room during the winter.
  5. Your home HVAC system is of the utmost importance. Call your St. Louis HVAC company for winter maintenance. They will change the filters, check your ductwork, and make sure that all of the components are working properly.
  6. Inspect the hot water heater and tank. Like your home HVAC system, you will want this to be running optimally in the winter months.
  7. If you use a fireplace in the winter, make sure the chimney has been cleaned and the damper is working properly. The fireplace should be used sparingly as opening the flue will actually suck the heated air in your home outside.

Things to Purchase Now

You do not want to get stuck having to drive after a major snowstorm or waste time standing in long lines along with other St. Louis residents who did not prepare ahead of time. Now is a good time to stock up on some essentials:

  • Snow shovel and salt: You should have one snow shovel for every person in your home capable of using one. These are not just handy for clearing your driveway, but will also be useful if snowdrifts are pushing up against your house. The salt can be used to keep the driveway and walkways free of ice.
  • Extra blankets: The nice thing about winter is that you can better control the cost of keeping your home comfortable by using extra blankets. Use them in the bedrooms at nighttime, but also on the couch and favorite chairs when your family is watching T.V.
  • Drinking water and canned goods: Having food and water handy will buy you a day or two before you absolutely must go outside after a snowstorm.
  • Heating system filters: Your HVAC technician may have changed the air filters when you had your home HVAC system check-up, but it is always good to have an extra one handy in case the one you are using becomes clogged before spring.

St. Louis Heating and Cooling

By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy a comfortable home environment no matter what the weather is like outside. Remember, the most important step is to keep the HVAC system maintained. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 for all your HVAC maintenance and repairs.