This Winter, Avoid Heating-Related Fires With These Tips

We all know the cold weather can be a real challenge during winter. Even though we all want to be warm, there are a few things we can take to protect our houses against heating-related fires. Fires caused by heating systems are a serious worry, particularly in the winter. It’s crucial to exercise extra caution during winter months to protect your family and home.

Here is a list of tips to assist you in preventing heating-related fires to keep you protected and toasty this winter.  

Tips to Help Avoid Fire

Here are some tips for avoiding heating-related fires.

1). Have a Professional Inspect Your Heating System Each Year

A qualified technician will inspect the system to ensure it is safe and functioning correctly. They will also check for cracks and other damage that may lead to leaks or hazards in your home. Having your system inspected every year will help to keep your family safe and prevent costly repairs in the future.
Also, have your wood-burning stove inspected and cleaned once a year if you have one. A yearly inspection and cleaning can help ensure that your wood stove is safe to use and is operating properly. This is crucial because accumulated debris and other things in the furnace might provide a fire hazard.

2). Keep Heaters Away From Flammable Materials

Flammable items such as LPG gas can catch fire if kept near space heaters. Keeping all flammable materials at least three feet away from any heat source is essential.  

3). Use Proper Heaters

Ensure the heater you use is rated for the space you are heating. Using a heater that is too powerful for the room risks overheating and catching fire. Space heaters can be a potential source of electric fires if they are not used properly. Make sure to keep them away from furniture, curtains, and other combustible materials, and turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed.

4.) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors help to alert you of potential fires. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making it very difficult to detect without the proper equipment. Luckily, carbon monoxide detectors are relatively affordable. Make sure you check your carbon monoxide detector at least once a year and replace the batteries when needed.

5). Unplug Heaters and Thermostats When Not in Use and Switch Off Bulbs

Unplugging heaters when not in use can reduce the risk of an electrical fire. When you aren’t home or at night, turn down the thermostat. Adjust your thermostat before getting out of bed if your house is already warm when you wake up. This helps to save on cost.

When not in use, turn off the lights and other electronics. By doing this, you will be able to use less electricity overall while maintaining a comfortable inside temperature during the summer.

6). Keep Your Furnace Clean

Always keep your furnace clean to help prevent fires. Ensure that your heating system’s filter is clean and functioning correctly by checking it at least once a month. Your heating system’s inefficient air movement from a dirty filter could cause a fire. Replace your filter right away if it appears to be dirty or has visible debris on it.

Stay Safe and Warm This Winter

During the winter, there is a significant risk of fires caused by heating. There are some tips one can follow to prevent the occurrence of these fires. Always use space heaters appropriately, get your heating system tested and maintained regularly, and keep combustible and flammable materials far from fireplaces and heating.

At Clarks Ace Hardware, we sell heaters, thermostats, and fire extinguishers. We ensure that our items are properly labeled and of good quality. For more information, visit us in-store or online today.

For more winter safety tips, check out our article on how to prepare for winter storms.

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