Keep Warm and Safe This Winter With These Heating Safety Tips

As the cold winter months arrive here in Michigan, it’s time to start thinking about the best ways to keep your home warm and cozy even during the coldest weather. This is especially important for those who live in climates where temperatures drop significantly during winter such as here in Michigan.

But while it’s important to keep your home comfortable, it’s also very important to take precautions when using heating devices in order to avoid potential fire hazards and other failures which can create a dangerous situation. Here are some tips on how to stay safe while heating your home this winter.

Keep Warm and Safe this Winter with these Heating Safety Tips

Have a Backup Plan in Place

For most homes, the furnace is the main source of heat in the home. It provides heat for bedrooms and living areas. Most furnaces do have redundant systems in place to help the furnace keep the home comfortable for a limited time in case there is a problem. Typically, these backup systems can use very high amounts of energy however so, it’s best to only use them when your main furnace fails. It may be labeled as ’emergency heat’ on your home thermostat. This setting can allow you to keep your home heated while waiting on a service technician to arrive.

Call for Furnace Repair or Service Quickly

When something happens to your home’s furnace be sure to call for a technician quickly. When the weather gets to record low temperatures it can put a huge strain on most furnaces which likely means they will fail. While we do send technicians out the same day even in the coldest temperatures, you’ll want to call for service quickly so you don’t have to wait as long before you can get your furnace repaired.

Keep an Eye on Your Fireplace and Chimney

A fireplace is a great way to stay warm when problems occur with your furnace. If you have a wood burning fireplace or a wood stove, be sure to inspect them regularly for any signs of wear or damage that could cause a fire hazard. Have your chimney professionally cleaned once a year, as creosote buildup can cause chimney fires.

Be sure to use only seasoned hardwood logs, as soft woods such as pine produce more creosote and burn at higher temperatures than hardwoods. And always remember to close the flue when not in use; otherwise heated air will escape from the house and you won’t feel the full benefit of your fireplace or stove.

Be Wary of Space Heaters

Space heaters are great for providing supplemental heat in small areas, but they must be used with caution. Always ensure that space heaters are placed at least three feet away from furniture and other combustible materials, as they can become overheated if left too close by. Additionally, never leave space heaters running unattended—if you need to leave the room while they’re still running, turn them off first! Many home fires are started each year by space heaters so please be careful when using this heating source.

Clean Your Furnace Regularly

One of the most important aspects of keeping your home safe during winter is having a properly functioning furnace. To ensure that yours is working optimally throughout the season, have it inspected by a professional HVAC technician every year before turning it on for the first time in fall. Remember to also change out air filters regularly (at least once per month) so that dust particles don’t get into your air ducts and potentially cause a fire hazard. Here at Superior Comfort Heating and Cooling we offer annual inspections and maintenance on heating and cooling systems in your home. Call us to schedule an appointment today at (734) 818-7141.

By following these safety tips, you can make sure that you and your family stay warm this winter without risking any potential danger caused by malfunctioning heating systems or devices. However, if at any point you notice something unusual or suspect there may be an issue with any of your appliances or systems, don’t hesitate to call a professional HVAC contractor right away! Taking these extra steps will help ensure that everyone stays safe this winter season while still being able enjoy their cozy homes!