October is National Fire Prevention Month, a commemoration that originated to honor the memory of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. What was initially observed for just one week has now expanded to encompass the entire month. The reason for this extended duration is the alarming fact that approximately 358,500 house fires occur annually in the United States. However, it is disheartening to realize that most of these tragedies can be prevented by following simple preventive measures and practicing diligent maintenance. We, your experts at Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating, care about you and your family’s safety, so we invite you to join us as we raise awareness about fire safety and strive to protect you from the very real threat of house fires.
Identifying Common HVAC Fire Hazards:
But it is also crucial to recognize that lapses in proper practices and instances of negligence can, in fact, result in hazardous situations. Therefore, we strongly recommend acquainting oneself with the most prevalent fire hazards associated with HVAC systems.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems are a common cause of HVAC-related fires. In many cases, the full history of an HVAC unit is not readily available when purchasing a home. Consequently, wiring and circuits can deteriorate or become outdated over time, resulting in electrical complications. Therefore, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent potentially hazardous situations. Preventative care is key!
- Clutter Around the Units: Certain HVAC units are installed in garages or basements, which are commonly used for storage purposes. Regardless of the unit’s placement, it is crucial to maintain a clutter-free environment. Sufficient space must be left to ensure proper airflow circulation. Otherwise, clutter can contribute to creating the perfect formula for a fire hazard. Furthermore, it is important to keep flammable items away from the vicinity. Avoid placing items such as boxes, paint cans, chemicals, cleaning solutions, or other miscellaneous objects nearby.
- Poor Installation Problems: Inadequate installation is a frequent factor leading to HVAC-related fires. The installation process of a unit involves numerous intricate details. As a result, poorly installed units can go unnoticed for extended periods when routine maintenance is also neglected in the process. This is why it is crucial to partner with a licensed HVAC company for all your HVAC needs and schedule regular maintenance checks as well.
Fire Prevention Recommendations from Your Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating Professionals:
- Develop a comprehensive escape plan that includes all family members, including children. You’ll want to designate a well-established outdoor meeting point away from the house for everyone to gather in the event of a fire. Review the plan with your household to ensure everyone comprehends and familiarizes themselves with it.
- Install Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detectors in your home. These detectors are designed to detect carbon monoxide, methane, and propane leaks, prioritizing the well-being of your household.
- Make sure that smoke detectors are strategically placed on every level of your home, including the basement. Furthermore, if feasible, consider situating smoke detectors outside sleeping areas, such as hallways.
- Regularly inspect your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors on a monthly basis. Remember to replace the batteries annually to maintain optimal functionality.
- Please be aware that smoke alarms have a limited lifespan of approximately ten years. You can check the manufacturing date on the back of your smoke alarms and replace them accordingly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, preferably in conveniently accessible areas.
- Experts strongly recommend keeping all bedroom doors closed at night. This effective strategy has been proven to save lives by significantly slowing down the spread of house fires.
At Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating, the safety of your family is our top priority! Our objective is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to protect your loved ones. Regular annual maintenance is the foundation for ensuring that your HVAC system complies with current standards and performs optimally. You can contact us to learn more about our comprehensive Whole Home Protection Plan, designed to facilitate easy maintenance of your home and HVAC system. Rest assured, we are committed to assisting you in safeguarding your home.
Call Westerville Air Conditioning & Heating today at (614) 810-0075, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
