Here’s How to Heat Your Home Safely All Winter Long

The arrival of cooler weather is a good reminder to do annual maintenance checks on your home heating equipment. Wood stoves and pellet stoves should be cleaned and tested, while portable heaters, electric fireplaces, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors may require new filters and batteries. Your furnace and HVAC system should also be inspected by a qualified technician. Ticking these items off your to-do list will help ensure safe, trouble-free heating all winter long.

Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are potential life-savers in the event of a gas leak or fire. They belong in every home and may be required by law where you live. The shrill alarm of a CO detector signals the presence of dangerous fumes from an appliance leak or other malfunction so you and your family can move to safety. Available as single-purpose or convenient dual-sensor units, they are relatively easy to install yourself. Models that offer remote monitoring will alert you to any potential issues when you’re away from home.

Space Heater Safety Tips

Space heaters offer a convenient way to provide extra comfort in basements and chilly spots in the home, but they must be operated with care. Convection units such as baseboard heaters and radiant units such as ceramic heaters and infrared heaters are all suitable for indoor use. An electric combination heater includes a fan to help circulate warm air. Portable space heaters are very useful and can be moved from room to room as needed. Most newer models include an emergency shutoff feature in case the unit is tipped over.

Always position a space heater a safe distance away from curtains and upholstery
Turn off the unit and unplug it from the power outlet when not in use
Never use a space heater in a room that stores combustible materials such as paints, solvents, and fuel canisters
Choose an electric heater equipped with an auto shut-off feature in case of tipping or overheating
Never use a natural gas or propane space heater indoors

Wood Stove and Pellet Stove Safety Tips

A wood stove or pellet stove can produce intense heat for hours or overnight which means it’s often left burning with the door closed. Unlike a fireplace which pushes heat out the front, wood and pellet stoves radiate heat from all four sides. A wood cook stove must be monitored as closely as any other cooktop to avoid accidents involving kids and pets.

Have your wood stove professionally installed on a proper floor pad at a safe distance from flammable materials
Remove ashes after each use once the stove is cool
Schedule an annual cleaning of the firebox, flue vents, chimney, and pellet hopper if applicable
Burn only dry, seasoned wood and avoid feeding trash or paper refuse into the fire
Don’t use liquid fire starter such as barbecue fluid
Keep children, animals, and fuel a safe distance away from the stove at all times

Here’s How to Properly Take Care of Your Furnace

Power Outage Safety

Be proactive before the heating season by having your HVAC system inspected and serviced by a pro. Annual testing and lubrication of your furnace can detect failing parts and prevent a major inconvenience during the winter. You should also assess your backup plan for a possible power outage. Your gas will likely stay on during a brief power outage, so if you have an indoor gas fireplace confirm that the pilot light is working and inspect outside exhaust vents for obstructions. Consider investing in a portable generator that can run outdoors while powering a few space heaters and lights. You can also have a qualified electrician connect the generator to your indoor circuit panel so you have a working outlet during a power outage. A whole-home backup generator will guarantee your home has power immediately during a power outage. These units are expensive, but they’re a worthy long-term investment and will ensure your family’s safety.

Proper maintenance and system checks will ensure a safe, stress-free heating season even before the first snowflakes appear. Having the right replacement parts and accessories on hand will also help provide peace of mind. Also, remember to schedule your HVAC, fireplace, and chimney inspections early or you might have to wait weeks for an appointment.

Here’s How to Heat Your Home Safely All Winter Long

Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors

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