Winter Heating Safety in Florida

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

A space heater needs to be three feet away from everything else. It can burn up anything that is close to it.

Staying Safe with Different Heating Systems

Although we are a ways off from being worried about staying warm here in Florida, we also believe in informing our readers ahead of time so they can be best prepared. That brings us to this post about home heating systems. There are several winter heating systems that can keep your home warm during the winter. However, safety is the most important thing that you have to keep in mind. You need to do the following in order to ensure that you safely heat your home.

Space Heater

People love space heaters because they are efficient and do not take up a lot of space. You will instantly feel the heat when you turn it on. However, there are a number of hazards that are associated with using a space heater.

You need to put your space heater in the right place. The space heater needs to be three feet away from everything else. It can burn up anything that is close to it. Keep in mind that some space heaters have temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

You should not put a space heater on carpet. You should also avoid putting it somewhere that has heavy traffic. A space heater can easily start a fire if it is knocked over.

Open Ovens

Ovens are great for baking good food. Many people also use their ovens to warm their home. However, it is a bad idea for you to keep your oven if you plan on leaving the house. An oven cannot efficiently heat your entire home. It can only heat the surrounding area.

If you have children or pets, then leaving an oven open can cause them to get injured. Additionally, there is a possibility that your oven can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. That is why it is important for you to maintain your oven.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

According to the CDC, 50,000 people die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is most likely to occur during the winter because of carbon monoxide poisoning. You can greatly reduce your chances of suffering carbon monoxide poisoning by getting your heating system maintained.

Not only can a professional maintain your heating system, but they can also tell the temperature that is best for you to set the thermostat on. Furthermore, a professional can clear the vents. This will allow your heating system to work efficiently and safely.

Fireplace Fires

A fireplace is one of the best things that you can do to keep your home warm. It also makes your home feel cozy. However, fireplaces are a major fire hazard. You have to make sure that your fireplace does not have any residual coals or ashes.

You should clean out your fireplace every time that you use it. Put the ashes and coal in a container that is at least 10 feet away from your home. Before you use your fireplace, you should put up a screen. This will prevent the ashes from coming out of the fireplace.

You should also clean and maintain your chimney. A chimney sweep can greatly reduce the chances of a fire.

Candles

Candles are something that many people use all year long. People like using them during the winter because they create an ambiance. Fires are not the only hazards that are associated with using candles. If your candles are made out of toxic products, then you can inhale those chemicals.

It is best for you to use beeswax candles. These are natural and clean candles. They can also help clean the air by neutralizing the negative ions.

You can minimize the chances of a candle fire by keeping them away from blankets, paper and bedding. You should also avoid putting them in a place where they can easily be knocked over. Furthermore, it is important to change the HVAC filter on a regular basis. Burning candles frequently can clog up your filter.