The cold weather is here, and you’re probably already putting your heater to good use. Oregon homes rely on heat inside their homes and offices every fall and winter, but it’s important to keep safety as your top priority. Cold months are the peak time for fire-related injuries and death. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to heating your home safely.
Minimize Your Fire Risk
Keep all flammables – including clothing, bedding, drapes, rugs, or paper products away from vents and other direct heat sources. If you choose to use a space heater to supplement the work your furnace is already doing, never leave it unattended and place it on a level and non-flammable surface.
Don’t Forget About Professional Routine Maintenance
Professional maintenance on your furnace is critical. These appointments are the best way to spot any small issues with the machine that could turn into larger problems. We will check the internal components of the system, run an energy-efficiency check, and ensure there are no repairs needed. We will also clean the system and air filters to keep things running at peak performance so you don’t have an unexpected system breakdown on a cold day.
Have Working Carbon Monoxide Detectors And Smoke Alarms In Your Home
Carbon monoxide (CO) can be emitted from gas furnaces. It’s clear and odorless but can be poisonous – and even fatal – if you breathe it. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, upset stomach, or weakness. Be sure to install a high-quality carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. This is a crucial safety measure to set up. If CO is detected, it will alert you so you can get outside into fresh air before a problem occurs. The same goes for smoke alarms. You should have a smoke detector in each room and at each level of your home. Once they are installed, test them monthly and replace the batteries annually (or more often if needed) to ensure they work reliably.
Create An Emergency Escape Plan
Unfortunately, house fires are very common. That’s why it’s important to have an escape plan in place. Draw a map of the home and plan ways to escape from each room. Make sure all windows and doors that lead outside are easily accessible and can be opened quickly in the event of a fire. Identify an outside meeting place that is safely away from the home.
Invest in Reliable Heating Systems
If the heating system or gas furnace in your home is more than 15 years old, chances are it may not be running as efficiently – or safely – as it should. You may have even invested in expensive repairs recently. With the cold weather in full swing, it’s the ideal time to consider replacing the system. Today’s residential heating systems are created with reliability and energy efficiency in mind. Climate Control technicians are ready to help you decide on a new, energy-efficient heating installation for your home.
For more information about furnace safety or to schedule a repair or maintenance appointment in Portland, OR, call our experienced team at Climate Control today!
