October marks National Fire Prevention Month, which was initially established for a week to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Currently, it is observed throughout the entire month. Each year, a staggering 358,500 house fires occur, a significant number of which could be averted by homeowners adopting preventive measures. So, join your Finneytown Heating & Cooling team as we strive to kindle the flame of safety awareness with the goal of protecting you from the real threat of house fires.
Typical HVAC Fire Hazards:
It is crucial to recognize that HVAC systems themselves are not inherently a danger to you. However, lapses in proper practices and negligence can yield severe consequences (as with all things in life). So, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with the common HVAC-related fire hazards.
Are There Electrical Issues?
Among the most prevalent causes of HVAC-related fires are electrical complications. More often than not, when a home is purchased, the complete history of an HVAC unit is not always available. Over time, aging units may experience electrical problems stemming from outdated wiring and circuits. So, we strongly emphasize the significance of regular maintenance checks. Consistent maintenance is pivotal in averting potentially hazardous situations.
Is There Clutter?
The potential for clutter around HVAC units sometimes depends on where they are placed in your home. Certain HVAC units (furnaces) are sometimes installed in garages or basements. As these areas are often utilized for storage, it’s a common issue for clutter to accumulate around them. But please, remember, it is imperative to maintain a clutter-free environment and ensure unobstructed airflow around each unit. Some items that are considered fire hazards to keep around your unit are boxes, paint cans, chemicals, cleaning solutions, etc.
Who Installed the Units?
Improper installation stands as another leading cause of HVAC-related fires. The installation of an HVAC unit involves a multitude of intricate details. Poorly installed units may go unnoticed for years when regular servicing is not executed. Therefore, it’s so important that you only collaborate with a licensed HVAC company that deploys certified technicians for installations as well as diligently schedule routine maintenance checks (as mentioned earlier).
Fire Prevention Tips from Your Finneytown Heating & Cooling Professionals:
- Develop a comprehensive escape plan that includes all family members, including young children. Designate a well-known meeting spot outside and away from the house for everyone to meet in case of a fire. Lastly, have several conversations to make sure everyone is aware of and knows this plan well. Hopefully, it will never have to be used. But you won’t regret you had a plan formed in the event something does happen.
- Prioritize safety by installing Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detectors in your home. These detectors are capable of detecting carbon monoxide, methane, and propane, ultimately providing that extra level of peace.
- Ensure that smoke detectors are positioned on every level of your home, including the basement. Additionally, you should situate smoke detectors outside sleeping areas, such as hallways.
- Make it a monthly routine to test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. On top of that, you should replace batteries at least once a year. You definitely don’t want to wait until the batteries die.
- Keep in mind that smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, approximately ten years. Check the manufacturing date on the back and replace them accordingly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible on each level of your home, preferably in easily accessible common areas.
- Experts recommend the practice of keeping bedroom doors closed at night, as this tactic can effectively slow the rate at which fire spreads, a strategy well-recognized for saving lives.
At Finneytown Heating & Cooling, we genuinely prioritize your family’s safety and are committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge required for safeguarding your loved ones. Remember, consistent annual maintenance is paramount to ensuring that your HVAC system complies with contemporary standards and operates efficiently. Contact us to talk about our Whole Home Protection Plan, which is meant to help preserve your home and HVAC system in optimal condition. Rest assured, we stand by your side, safeguarding your home.
Call Finneytown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 935-0440, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
