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Safe Home Heating All Winter| SERVPRO® of Sioux Falls
2/24/2023 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls if you experience any smoke, soot or fire damage.
The winter chill set in a long time ago, and you have probably been heating your home for some time now. If you are not taking good care of your heating system, though, you could be creating a fire risk in your home.
Life in Sioux Falls means that you have to enjoy cold weather at least a little bit, but you deserve to be able to warm up as much as you want. Take care of your units now so you can rest easy.
While furnaces are one of the most common types of heating sources, many of our homes also have radiant floor heat or a boiler. With our extreme winters, it is also not unusual to have a combination of units in a home. Regardless of what kind of heat you use, regular maintenance is crucial to keep things running correctly and long-term.
Keep outside units clear of snow and ice, including any vent covers. Dust regularly to avoid buildup, and change your filter every 90 days. The air filter is crucial for keeping things running well, but it can also help maintain the proper humidity in our moist environment.
For most of our homes, fireplaces or wood-burning stoves are a necessity to provide additional warmth, particularly when a big snowstorm blows through. While the flames can make your home feel magical, they can also leave it at risk for fires. Have them cleaned and inspected regularly to continue the magic without worry.
Wood-burning fireplaces or stoves should be cleared of ash and soot after each use, and the chimney or stove pipes should be inspected to clear any blockages. If you have a gas or electric fireplace, dust it often and remove the logs. Clean the glass and the screen.
Space heaters are a great way to warm up a single room quickly, but without proper use, they could easily cause fires. Opt for more blankets on a cold night instead of your space heater, and only run it on a flat surface.
Make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off feature if it is tipped. Never plug your unit into an extension cord, but always directly into the wall to avoid electric surges and fire.
Keep an eye on little ones and pets when you use any of your heating equipment. Most house fires start from an avoidable accident. Prevent chaos in your home and stay warm and cozy by always being fire-aware.
If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of Sioux Falls for immediate assistance. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us!