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4 Home Heating Safety Tips This Winter

If you live in a country with four seasons, you’d know by now how the cold winter season can be unforgivingly cold. Think sub-zero temperatures coupled with snow and icy winds. When you arrive back in your home, you’ll want it to be heated at the optimum temperature possible.

Remember, however, that heating a home also comes with its own risks. Fires due to overheated systems, faulty electrical wirings and short circuits can happen. Those are serious hazards not to take lightly. Hence the need to master how to keep your home heating safe, both on your own and with the help of an expert heating repair company Stephens City has to offer.

Learn more about how you can keep your home safe, while effectively heating it during this winter season.

The winter season safety tips
Frozen hands touch a heating battery at home during winter season

1. Prevent Pipes From Freezing

The pipes for heating your home are probably connected to your plumbing system. Don’t forget them in your efforts of ensuring home heating safety during the winter months. No matter how well-functioning your heating system is, the water flowing through your pipes may be freezing if your pipes aren’t prepped and protected for the frigid months. Keeping your heating system in good condition goes hand in hand with your plumbing.

With that said, these are some of the basic tips to prevent your pipes from freezing:

  • Insulate your pipes, as exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing;
  • Seal the leaks, so that cold air can’t flow through inside;
  • Keep water running regularly, because oftentimes, having water flow through your pipes regularly is all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing.

2. Adhere To The Golden Rules Of Heating

There are golden rules to almost every aspect of managing a household – home heating included. During the winter season, the use and dependence on all sorts of heaters will increase. This gives us more reason to adhere to the golden rules of heating.

Take heed of the following non-negotiable standards:

  • Keep young children and pets away from all heating units;
  • Keep a spark guard around open fireplaces;
  • Keep every room at home well-ventilated, especially when using gas heaters and fireplaces;
  • Don’t place any objects on top of your heaters;
  • Minimize the use of extension cords for any heating appliances.

3. Know The Basics Of Heating Maintenance

As a homeowner, another responsibility that falls on your shoulders is to stay on top of your heating maintenance. The technical work is one best left to expert HVAC contractors, but it’s on you to keep track of the proper schedules and watch out for the telltale signs that it’s time to have your heating system checked, maintained, or, in the far future replaced.

To guide you, here are some of the basics of home heating maintenance to be aware of:

  • Test your smoke and fire detectors at least once a month.
  • If you smell gas or fire in your home after switching on a heating device, turn it off immediately. Don’t try to troubleshoot on your own. Call your trusted electrician and HVAC contractor to do this for you.
  • Whenever you have new heating appliances and systems to install, always have the experts do it. Be certain that all your heating equipment and appliances are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes.
  • Have your chimneys, fireplace, gas range, ovens, radiators, and other heating equipment cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Dust and clean your heaters regularly to keep it free from dust and debris buildup.

4. Check Your Ceiling And Roof

Yes, your roof and ceiling also have significant roles to play in ensuring your home safely and adequately retains heat during the winter season. Your walls are not the only thing that needs insulation, but your ceilings, too. And, over time, it’s normal for your roof to give in to wear and tear.
Hence the need to check that both your ceiling and roof are still in good working order.

If you’ve just gone through heavy rain, hail, and snowfall, your roof may be damaged. Note that even the tiniest leak can expand and worsen in the cold. As much as possible, your roof and its shingles should have a layer of waterproofing to prevent leaks.

Conclusion

As winter approaches and the temperatures soon drop, many homeowners will scramble to start heating their homes. This is not a matter of luxury anymore, but a need for comfort and safety. Certainly, you can’t live in a home that’s freezing. Be mindful, however, not to set aside your safety. Safety should still be of top-most priority, above anything else. With the tips above, you can have both a safe and well-heated home to protect you and your loved ones from the harsh weather.

Written by Simpson

I am hired to run this website and challenged to make it popular. I have few Youtube Channels too but I am sure you don't want to know that information.