October is here, and that means so is National Fire Prevention Month too! It’s pretty cool, although tragic, to know the history behind what started it. Initially, it was established as a week-long commemoration of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but now it covers the entire month. This is because around 358,500 house fires happen every year in the United States. More interestingly, it is said by experts that most of these fires can actually be prevented by practicing simple safety measures and proper maintenance. So, join your Circleville Heating & Cooling family in spreading fire safety awareness!
Common HVAC Fire Hazards:
First, it’s important to know that your HVAC system isn’t inherently dangerous. But just like with anything else in life, improper practices and negligence can cause problems. So, it’s best to be aware of common fire hazards related to HVAC.
- Electrical Issues: One of the most common reasons for HVAC-related fires is electrical issues. You know, when you buy a home, you don’t always have the complete history of the HVAC unit. Over time, these units get older, wear down, or become outdated, which can lead to electrical problems with the wiring and circuits. We always stress the importance of knowing the condition of your HVAC units. So, if you can’t remember the last time your units were serviced, just give us a call! Regular maintenance is a must to keep those dangerous situations in check.
- Clutter Around Units: Depending on where your units are located, there might be a chance of having some clutter nearby. You see, some HVAC units are installed in places like garages or basements. And it’s quite common for homeowners to use those spaces for storage, piling up boxes, paint cans, cleaning supplies, or whatever else around their HVAC unit. But as a general rule, you should always make sure to keep the area clear and let the air flow freely around each unit, even if the unit is stored in a closet or anywhere else in your home. Good airflow is key!
- Poor Installation: Another common reason why HVAC-related fires occur is due to improper installation. There are many details involved in installing an HVAC unit. And if the unit is poorly installed, it can go unnoticed for years unless you’re getting your HVAC system serviced regularly. That’s why keeping up with your regular maintenance is essential, and it’s always important to work with a licensed HVAC company that uses certified technicians for their installations.
Fire Prevention Tips from Your Circleville Heating & Cooling Professionals:
- Make sure you have an escape plan in place that everyone in the family, including small children, knows about. It’s a good idea to choose a familiar spot outside, away from the house, where everyone can meet in case of a fire.
- For added safety, it’s always a good idea to have a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your home. These smart alarms can detect carbon monoxide as well as natural gases like methane and propane.
- If you don’t already have smoke detectors on every level of your home, it’s a good idea to consider getting them on every level as soon as possible. Furthermore, keep in mind that it’s recommended to place a smoke detector outside every sleeping area, like in the hallway.
- Remember to make it a habit to test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors every month and stay on top of battery replacement. It’s always a good idea to switch out the batteries every year to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Unfortunately, smoke alarms don’t last forever. So, make it a point to check the manufacture date on the back of the smoke alarm and replace it ten years from that date.
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on each level of your home, ideally in a convenient and easily accessible spot.
- According to experts, it’s actually best to keep all bedroom doors closed at night. This helps slow down the spread of fire and has been known to save lives. So, it’s definitely a safety strategy worth considering.
At Circleville Heating & Cooling, we genuinely care about the safety of your family. We want to make sure you have everything you need to keep them protected. That’s why we highly recommend staying on top of your annual maintenance. It’s the best way to ensure your HVAC system is up to current standards and running smoothly. Give us a call to learn more about our Whole Home Protection Plan. We’ve got you covered and we’re here to help you keep your home and HVAC system in tip-top shape!
Call Circleville Heating & Cooling today at (740) 218-5323, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
