Homeowners must ensure their homes are safe. However, many homeowners fail to realize the dangers associated with heating.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home heating mishaps account for as many as 500 deaths, 1,300 injuries, and a quarter of a billion dollars in property damage each year in the United States.
Home Heating Safety Tips
A space heater, like any other tool, can be an important part of your holiday heating plan. It can be difficult to keep the house warm with holiday guests or parties. There are some important points to remember when selecting supplemental heat sources such as space heaters.
You should choose a space heater for indoor use
It can be tempting just to grab a patio heater to heat your dining room for the holiday party. However, this is a dangerous idea and could prove to be very dangerous. The fuel source for heaters meant for outdoor use is often gasoline or kerosene. Homeowners should not use these heaters indoors. The way these heaters vent exhaust can make your home dangerous and could potentially lead to the release of poisonous gases like carbon monoxide.
Choose a ceramic space heater
Burns from the surface is another potential danger of home space heaters. Convection heating is the most common method of heating space heaters. The heaters have a hot piece, then the air is forced to the hot area to heat the room. Older models of home heaters were equipped with exposed metal wires and grates, which could easily burn someone. You should choose a heater that does not heat the parts and is safe for your pets and family.
Look out for safety features built-in
Modern space heaters are designed to protect your family’s safety. You should look for space heaters that automatically turn off if it is knocked over, or the heating element heats up too much. Even with all these safety features, it is important to only operate your space heater when you are nearby and awake. You should never leave your space heater on in an empty room or while you’re sleeping.
Placement is important.
Home heaters can often cause fires when drapes and furniture are too close to them. The heating elements and some cords can heat up, as we have already discussed. These heating elements should not be placed underneath carpeting, rugs, or near furniture or drapery. Make sure you read all instructions and keep it away from any other household items.
Is it safer to use a whole-house heater or furnace?
While some of the hazards of home heater safety can be eliminated if you use heating systems throughout your home, there are still safety concerns to consider.
Heating systems that rely upon hot water pipes or radiators can cause severe burns and scorching. Your family and guests should be aware of hot spots in your heating system. Keep clothing, decorations, gifts, and other items away from hot spots.
Carbon monoxide can build up in furnaces due to clogged filters or faulty ignition systems. To avoid safety problems with your home heater, make sure you change your filters frequently, install a carbon monoxide detector and have your furnace serviced annually. Your heating oil tank should be full before the holidays.
When they forget to fill up their heating oil tanks, people often resort to supplemental heat sources. You can avoid potential dangers by being careful.
Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now if you need help in keeping your heating system efficient and fully functional this winter season.
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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/
Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove