During warm weather months, we throw open the windows, slip on the flip flops, and head outside until the moonlight beckons us back in. But in the winter? It’s a whole different ballgame; one filled with crackling fires, cozy layers of clothing and blankets, and hearty stick-to-your-bones meals.

All that extra time spent in doors means an increased risk of home fires. In fact, more fires occur during the winter months than any other season, with home heating equipment the second leading cause.

This winter – and always – help protect your home and family by following these simple yet important tips.

Install smoke detectors in all bedrooms and main living areas on every floor of your home. Don’t forget the basement. Test detectors monthly and replace the batteries every six months. For increased protection, choose detectors that can be interconnected either through hard-wiring or wireless technology. This ensures that when one alarm sounds, they all sound, alerting everyone at the same time.

If you must use a space heater, choose one that has an auto shut-off in case it tips over. Get one with a thermostat, too, so it will maintain the desire temperature.  Place the space heater on a stable, solid surface at least three feet away from flammable materials. Do not use extension cords or run the space heater cord under an area rug. Turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Never use your oven or stove to heat your home as doing so puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, something could accidentally fall into the oven or on the stove and spark a fire.

Keep all flammable items like draperies, comforters, paper products, and clothing at least three feet away from all heat sources. This includes wood burning and pellet stoves, radiators, fireplaces, and space heaters.

Have your chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional at the start of each heating season to remove creosote and nests built by critters. Only burn seasoned wood and use appropriate kindling.

Another great safety tip is annual heating season preventive maintenance, especially when it’s performed by the expert HVAC technicians at C&D Cooling & Heating. Not only will you enjoy an added measure of safety, you’ll pay less to heat your home, and your equipment will last longer.  Contact us today to schedule service.