October has finally arrived! Although it is best known for the month of Halloween and fall-fun festivities, Milford Heating & Cooling is here to remind you about the importance of National Fire Prevention Month. Fire safety awareness is extremely important! Every year in the United States, around 358,500 house fires take place. More shockingly, though, experts say most house fires that occur can be prevented through the use of simple tips, practices, and consistent maintenance. As with most things in life, an HVAC system needs proper handling and regular maintenance. No, this does not mean your HVAC units are inherently dangerous; it just means they need the right amount of TLC. Otherwise, if your HVAC system is not regularly maintained, negligence will lead to potential fire hazards. Join your local heating and cooling professionals as we strive to ignite the fire of safety awareness for all things HVAC-related while helping you keep real house fires at bay.
Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance is the foundation of HVAC fire safety. It is recommended to have a licensed HVAC technician inspect and service each of your units annually (preferably before the onset of the seasonal changes). During these visits, the technician will verify everything is working as it should be but also can identify and fix any potential issues, such as frayed wires, loose connections, or blocked ventilation, that may ultimately lead to a house fire.
Clean Filters and Ducts
A dirty air filter and clogged ductwork not only decrease your HVAC system’s effectiveness but also raises the risk of fires. When a furnace is allowed to run with a heavily clogged air filter, the clogged air filter prevents proper ventilation and allows high levels of carbon monoxide – which is detrimental to your safety and is also a fire hazard. Air filters should be changed every one to three months. In addition, ductwork should be cleaned about every three to five years. This is to keep the accumulation of dust and debris building up inside your ductwork.
Monitor Electrical Components
Malfunctioning electrical components and faulty wiring are another fire hazard you want to be vigilant about. So, be sure to keep an eye out for things like flickering lights, tripped circuit breakers, or burnt smells coming from your HVAC unit. These are all warning signs that your system is using to relay to you that there may be an underlying issue going on with your unit. If you notice any of these issues, you should contact a professional as soon as possible.
Keep Flammables Away
Flammables – we all know we should keep them away. But sometimes, it is something that is easily looked over. Many furnaces are stored in basements or garages, which also doubles as storage space for many. Keep in mind that it’s always best to maintain a clear space around your HVAC equipment to allow for sufficient airflow and reduce the risk of fire. On top of that, items like paint cans or spray bottles, cleaning solutions, other chemicals, and flammable items such as cardboard, paper, or fabric should be kept away from the unit at all times.
Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Almost everyone knows having smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home is crucial. But remember, it’s best to have these detectors installed on every level of your home. Moreover, you should place them strategically in the main spaces and right outside of the sleeping areas. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to test your detectors every month to make sure they work and replace their batteries annually. Lastly, most detectors last for ten years. You can check the manufacture date on the back of the detectors and replace it ten years from that date.
Have a Fire Escape Plan
It’s always a wise idea to have a fire escape plan in place. Once you have a plan formed, make sure everyone in your household is familiar with it. Also, be sure to discuss where the quickest exits are and the designated safe meeting point outside your home. Verify that everyone (including children) understands the plan and is prepared to follow it.
By following these HVAC fire safety tips, you can lower the risk of fires, keep your home and loved ones safe, and have peace of mind knowing that your HVAC system is operating securely. Just remember, regular maintenance and staying vigilant are key! Feel free to reach out to us to ask about our Whole Home Protection Plan, designed to help keep your home and HVAC system in top shape. You can count on us to keep you covered!
Call Milford Heating & Cooling today at (513) 655-5112, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
