October is National Fire Prevention Month, initially established as just a week to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It has since expanded to cover the entire month. Fire prevention is so important! This is because annually, approximately 358,500 house fires occur in the United States, many of which can be prevented through simple preventative measures and proper maintenance by homeowners. Eastland Heating & Cooling aims to raise awareness about HVAC fire safety and reduce the risk of house fires.
Common HVAC Fire Hazards to Know About:
It is essential to recognize that HVAC systems are not inherently dangerous. However, improper practices and neglect can lead to potentially hazardous situations. So, familiarizing yourself with common HVAC-related fire hazards is crucial.
Electrical Issues: One of the primary causes of HVAC-related fires is electrical problems. Over time, aging units may experience deteriorating wiring and circuits. It is vital to know the condition of your HVAC units, especially if you cannot recall the last time they were serviced. Regular HVAC maintenance is key to preventing hazardous situations!
Clutter Issues: Depending on your HVAC unit’s location (like in basements or garages), clutter can accumulate around it. Because of this, the vicinity surrounding a furnace is often used for storage. However, maintaining a clutter-free area and ensuring proper airflow is essential for safety. Furthermore, items like boxes, paint cans, chemicals, and cleaning solutions near or in front of HVAC units should never be placed in close proximity to an HVAC unit.
Installation Issues: Improper installation is another common cause of HVAC-related fires. The intricacies of HVAC unit installation should not be underestimated. Poorly installed units may go unnoticed for years when regular servicing is not done. To prevent this, always engage a licensed HVAC company that employs certified technicians for installations, and also make it a point to schedule routine maintenance checks.
Fire Safety Tips from Your Eastland Heating & Cooling Professionals:
- Develop a fire escape plan that includes all family members, including small children. Choose a well-known meeting spot outside that everyone can get to in case of a fire.
- Enhance safety by installing Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detectors in your home to help detect carbon monoxide, methane, and propane leaks.
- Ensure smoke detectors are present on every level of your home, including the basement. Additionally, place smoke detectors outside sleeping areas for maximum safety.
- Regularly test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors every month and replace batteries yearly.
- Smoke alarms typically have a lifespan of approximately ten years. So, it’s a good idea to check the back of each, verify the manufacture date, and replace them ten years from that date.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible on each level of your home, ideally in a common and easily accessible area.
- Experts recommend keeping all bedroom doors closed at night to slow down the spread of fire. This strategy has proven to help save lives.
We are dedicated to your family’s safety. Regular annual maintenance is crucial to ensure your HVAC system complies with current standards and operates efficiently. Call us to discuss our Whole Home Protection Plan, which is a seamless way to maintain and protect your entire home! Your safety is our priority. Leave it to Eastland Heating & Cooling to keep you covered!
Call Eastland Heating & Cooling today at (614) 861-5203, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
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