Winter Heating Safety Risks You Should Know About

While our winters are pretty mild here in Tampa, Florida, there are still some chilly days where you will want to turn on the heat. But being warm and cozy at home during the cooler months also means that you need to stay alert to indoor winter heating health hazards. 

These simple tips from our team at Super Heat & Air will keep you safe and warm at home this winter! 

Space Heaters 

Yes, space heaters are small yet mighty and can be an efficient way to heat your home. However, they also come with some safety hazards. 

The first thing to keep in mind when using a space heater is its location. There should be at least three feet of space on every side of the heater. Remember, some space heaters can get up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit! Curtains, blankets, paper, etc. could potentially go up in flames if placed too close to the heater. 

If using a space heater, don’t run it non-stop, and turn it off when you go to sleep or leave for the day. 

Fireplaces

A home fireplace can make these chilly winter nights cozy and full of ambiance, but it can also quickly become a fire hazard. Make sure that you clean all residual ashes or coals from previous fires and place them in a metal container at least ten feet away from your home. 

Always use a screen in front of the fireplace when it is in use, and never burn anything other than untreated wood. 

Further, you’ll want to ensure that your chimney is clean and unblocked. While chimney sweeps might seem like a thing from the past, they are still around today and are very valuable. A clogged chimney can create health hazards for your family and is another fire hazard to avoid. 

Heating Systems 

When it’s chilly outside, it’s as easy as pushing a button or changing the thermostat, and voila! warm air will fill your home. But no matter what type of heating system that you have in your home, it should be inspected each winter season to ensure that it is in safe working order. 

Gas Heaters 

As a gas heater produces heat, they burn gas. If your gas heater is flued, it will release pollutants and water vapor outside your home through the chimney, while a gas heater without a flue will release them into your home. 

• If your gas heater does not have a flue, have it serviced regularly, and ensure that your home is well ventilated. 
• Never use a gas heater without a flue in a bathroom, bedroom, or other small rooms without ventilation as the toxic gases can reach harmful levels in small, confined spaces. 
• Your gas heater should be serviced annually to ensure that it is working correctly. 
• Take note of any pilot light problems, yellow flames, unusual smells, or strange noises emanating from the unit. 

Electric Heaters 

Before turning on your electric heater, it should be inspected and checked for damage. Our technicians at Super Heat & Air are happy to help with this task! 

Also, it is important to change your heater’s air filter just like you would for your HVAC system. Changing your air filter will allow your heater to run more efficiently and with fewer allergens circulating through your home. 

Learn More> 10 Things to Check Before Turning on the Heat 

Portable Outdoor Gas Heaters 

While a portable outdoor gas heater is great for chilly nights spent out on the patio, never use one inside your home. 

If you are using one outside, make sure that it isn’t placed too close to awnings, pergolas, or other flammable materials like patio furniture. 

Super Heat & Air Tip

If you don’t already have smoke, radon, or carbon monoxide detectors in your home, make sure to purchase some. 

If you do already have these important devices, check their batteries seasonally and test them to ensure that they are functioning properly before turning on your heater, using your fireplace, or setting up space heaters. 

Read More> Stay Cozy with These Home Heating Tips 

Stay Warm This Winter with Super Heat & Air 

Whether you use space heaters, a heating system, or a fireplace to warm you up this winter, make sure you stay safe with these tips from Super Heat & Air. 

If your heater breaks down and you need repairs, your friends at Super Heat & Air are just a phone call away! We’ll ensure that your system is running efficiently all season long!