The air outside is turning cool and crisp and your home can officially be a warm getaway. Keeping a home heated properly and safely can be a large undertaking and an ongoing process, so to help you keep your home cozy this year, check out these heater safety tips!
1. HVAC System
Don’t wait to check up on your heating system until the day you need it, otherwise, it can be a pain to discover it needs repairs or a tune-up. Early November is a good time to schedule an inspection with an HVAC specialist to ensure all things electrical and gas are working well. Most HVAC’s have a long service life, and you can extend the longevity of the system by performing these annual checkups and tune-ups.
2. Proper Ventilation
One way to help the warm air circulate better is to replace your furnace filters and check the exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchens. If the exhaust fans have buildup, it could pose a fire hazard. You should also install at least one carbon monoxide detector in the home. Most modern gas heaters are very safe, but there is still a chance that a dangerous leak could occur. Having a detector can help keep you and your family safe while the heater is running.
3. Home Decor
Did you know you could utilize rugs and curtains to decorate your home and help make it warmer? Floorboards and tiles can become cold, so laying out a rug will keep your feet from picking up the cool temperature from the floor. Along with rugs, dense curtains could help keep your home warm by keeping in more of the home’s heat and keeping out more of the outdoor cold.
4. Fireplace Flue
If your home has a fireplace, remember to close the flue when you don’t have a fire going. Leaving the flue open can allow warm air from your living room to escape through the chimney, meaning it will take more to heat your home. It’s also often the culprit for cold drafts entering your home. Closing the flue when the fireplace is not in use can help keep the warm air inside your home.
5. Space Heaters
Space heaters can be a great way to add an extra burst of heat to a room, but they also pose some safety risks. You can safely use a space heater by placing it at least three feet away from anything that could catch on fire, plugging it directly into the wall and avoiding using power strips or extension cords, and by routinely checking the heater and power cord to ensure they are not damaged or frayed.
Follow these heater safety tips to keep safe! Your home keeps you warm and safe, and we protect your home. We’ve got your back during all the seasons. If any changes have been made, remember to contact your OKFB agent to ensure your home insurance policy is up-to-date and everything is covered.