Your home’s heat and cooling system is an essential part of your daily life, but it’s also the most common cause of home heating fires.
Modern homes are built with strict fire safety codes to avoid devastating conflagrations. Combine that with the fact that modern HVAC units work differently than older systems, and you may find yourself asking: what steps can I take to make sure my family and property stay safe?
How Heating Systems Work
In older homes, a furnace located in the basement burned fuel to create hot air for warm rooms. A fan circulated this heated air throughout the house via supply vents, while another pulled cold air from outside through return vents. If something went wrong with any component – such as faulty wiring or a clogged filter – the entire system might go down, leaving your family vulnerable to extreme cold.
The modern HVAC unit is split into two separate pieces: a condenser and an indoor fan. The compressor in the outdoor unit transfers refrigerant gas into a hot liquid that circulates through an indoor evaporator coil, warming rooms at a much faster rate than older systems. If any part fails, you should immediately contact an HVAC technician to fix it – but this design makes homes far less susceptible to breakdowns that lead to fire hazards.
All Heating Units Require Maintenance
Every time you receive service on your furnace at the beginning of winter, make sure to check all connections for leakage or other damage. Not only should you look for damage, but you should also make sure that support members are strong enough to bear the weight of your HVAC system.
Be especially careful with installation. If a new heating unit runs into existing ductwork, it may not fit properly and create dangerous pressure on surrounding elements. Not only does this risk overload the system, but it can also increase the chance of carbon monoxide buildup if ducts or vents begin to leak around poorly fitted units.
To keep your warranty valid, make sure to follow best practices when using tools near refrigerant lines and/or electrical connections. This includes avoiding open flames while working on any part of your HVAC unit! Some companies recommend that homeowners schedule yearly ‘winterizing’ visits with HVAC technicians to make sure everything is set for the colder months.
Preventing Fire Risks
Don’t leave your heating unit on the same thermostat setting all day and night, as this can overload components and create a risk of fire. When you feel too warm, turn it down by 20-25 degrees to increase its lifespan and avoid overheating – which can be just as dangerous as leaving it on high constantly!
However much effort you put into maintaining your home’s heating system, one thing is beyond your control: what happens outside. To keep power usage low, make sure to keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature while you’re gone, and shut off power or gas to outside units if winter storms begin to wreak havoc on your ability to tend to them. Don’t let family members skip school or work because of cold weather; stay inside until roads become safe enough to drive on.
Wherever you live, your HVAC unit likely has access to fresh air from outside. Be sure that vents are clear of any debris – especially if they lead near bushes or tall grasses – because clogs can cause fires too! Leaving heating system doors open when they’re not in use is also good practice; this gives them time for their parts to cool down and prevents overheating.
Many families may find themselves with overloaded circuit breakers during winter months, so it’s important for homeowners and tenants alike to check their systems before the first cold day. If you are particularly sensitive to cold climates, consider purchasing a heavy-duty model to ensure your family’s continued comfort all winter long!
Newer Models Have More Safety Features
While many of us may dread winter’s chill, it is important to remember that our modern central heating units are much safer than older models. These improvements make HVAC units far less prone to breakdowns and overloads – but they also mean that homeowners have to take responsibility for caring for them.
Make sure that your heating unit has access to regular service at the beginning of every season, that your home doesn’t present any hazards due to insulation or wiring, and that components are never overloaded or compromised by poor installation. You can do all this without major hassle if you remember to schedule service at the beginning of each season!
By following these simple measures, your family can ensure that everyone stays warm and safe all winter long. Not only will they enjoy themselves more, but they’ll also avoid costly repairs or replacements!
Be Sure to Contact a Professional for Service
Since you’re not an expert on HVAC units, it’s best to leave technical issues in the hands of professionals. Call a professional at once if you notice that your unit is running poorly or produces odd sounds or smells! Don’t risk damaging your investment with amateur repairs; make sure only trained technicians work on your central heating system – they can handle any complications quickly and effectively.
Remember to stay warm this winter! A little preparation goes a long way towards keeping everyone safe during colder weather. You can avoid accidents by following these simple guidelines when working around your home’s HVAC system.
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Call us today to schedule a service appointment if your HVAC system isn’t working correctly or if you need a new unit installed in your home. If you have an emergency during the hottest time of the year, don’t hesitate to call us at any hour. We provide emergency services for all our loyal customers. Call now to learn more about how we can help make your house feel like home again with quality AC repair and installation services!