Were you aware that October is National Fire Prevention Month? It all started in 1971 to remember The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but now it lasts the whole month for the purpose of inspiring safety awareness across the nation! Shockingly, around 358,500 house fires occur every year in the United States. But here’s the thing, most of these fires can be prevented by homeowners taking simple preventative measures and doing proper maintenance. So, join your Chillicothe Heating & Cooling family in spreading awareness about fire safety.
Common HVAC Fire Hazards:
First off, it’s important to know that your HVAC system isn’t inherently dangerous. However, like with anything else in life, not following proper practices and being careless can have serious consequences. So, it’s best to be aware of the common fire hazards related to HVAC systems.
- Electrical Issues: One of the most common reasons for HVAC-related fires is electrical issues. Sometimes, when you buy a home, you don’t always have the complete history of the HVAC unit. Over time, these units get older, worn out, or become outdated. This can lead to electrical problems with old 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, give us a call! Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing dangerous situations.
- Clutter Surrounding the Units: Depending on where your units are located, there’s a good chance you might have some clutter nearby. You know how it goes – some HVAC units end up in garages or basements, and those spaces often become storage areas. Boxes, paint cans, chemicals, you name it – they tend to end up in front of or around the HVAC unit. Just remember, it’s important to keep the area clear and allow airflow to circulate around each unit, even if they’re stored in a designated closet or anywhere else in your home.
- Poor Installation: Another major reason why HVAC-related fires occur is due to improper installation. Installing an HVAC unit involves several important details. Moreover, if your HVAC system is not regularly serviced, poorly installed units can go unnoticed for years. That’s why it’s crucial to always work with a licensed HVAC company that employs certified technicians for installations as well as ensure you schedule regular maintenance checks.
Fire Prevention Tips from Your Chillicothe Heating & Cooling Professionals:
- Let’s create an escape plan and make sure the whole family, including the little ones, knows it. It’s a good idea to choose a familiar spot outside, far from the house, where everyone can gather in case of a fire.
- For an extra safety measure, it’s a good idea to have a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your home. These clever alarms can detect carbon monoxide and natural gases like methane and propane. Better safe than sorry!
- If you don’t already have smoke detectors on every level of your home, it’s a good idea to get them as soon as possible. Don’t forget about the basement, too, if you have one. Also, it’s recommended to place a smoke detector outside every sleeping area, like in the hallway. If it’s possible, consider an interconnected smoke alarm system. That way, if one alarm goes off in a specific area, all the alarms will sound, giving you more time to react.
- Remember to regularly test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and stay on top of battery replacement. It’s always a good idea to switch out the batteries every year to be on the safe side.
- Smoke alarms don’t last forever, you know? Just check the manufacture date on the back and replace it ten years from that date. Easy peasy!
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, ideally in a convenient spot that’s easy to reach.
- According to experts, it’s actually a good idea to keep all bedroom doors closed at night. This simple action can help slow down the spread of fire and has been proven to save lives. So, remember to close those bedroom doors for added safety!
At Chillicothe 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 meets current standards and runs smoothly. Give us a call to find out more about our Whole Home Protection Plan. We’ve got your back when it comes to keeping your home and HVAC system in great shape!
Call Chillicothe Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now!