Winter in our region is the season when home hazards present the highest risk for electrical, fire and hazardous chemical problems. Homes are tightly sealed and fireplaces and furnaces operate overtime to keep you warm. These tips can help you reduce the hazards associated with home heating, electrical and chemical hazards.
Electrical
- Never overload an electrical socket. Don't use power cubes or extension cords for multiple devices, especially space heaters. These take a good deal of electricity and overloading a circuit can cause the wires inside the walls to get hot, causing a fire.
- Don't run any appliance, regardless of its size or importance, that emits a smoky or burnt rubber smell.
- Never run cords under rugs or carpeting. Over time, the insulation covering the wire can wear out and cause shorts that start fires.
Chemical
- If you use any combustible paint or furniture finishes during the winter, be sure that you soak the rags or brushes you've used in water before disposing of them. Some products emit heat as they dry, which can cause spontaneous combustion.
- Don't use gas or diesel to start a fire indoors for your fireplace.
Fire hazards
- Have your heating system professionally cleaned annually. HVAC professionals inspect the flue or chimney, making sure that they're free from any obstructions that could increase the carbon monoxide (CO) levels inside your home, along with cleaning all the parts, increasing efficiency and reducing any home hazards associated with heating your home.
- Keep the air filter clean to assure the free flow of air through the blower. Over time, a dirty filter can cause problems with your heating system that can adversely affect your health and the safety of your heating system.
- Check your CO and smoke detectors monthly. A malfunctioning heating system or fireplace can emit dangerous levels of CO into your home.
If you haven't had your heating system serviced this winter and want to avoid these home hazards, contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide HVAC services for the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.
Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. . Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today!
Image via Shutterstock.com
Nice people.
Great service.
Since 1928Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Read From Over 10000 Happy Customers
-
Both Alex and Patrick were knowledgeable, courteous, and professional. They made a change that might have solved the recent problem and have structured a more complete solution. We agreed to this...
-
Mike was thorough, thoughtful and considerate. Covered their shoes before entering, surveyed my issue and provided an explanation of the services and costs. Great Job!
-
Alex did a great job providing an explanation of the services provided and went out of his way to offer assistance/advice on other issues outside of our scheduled maintenance visit.
-
Brian did an excellent job inspecting our 18-year old boiler and replacing some of the accessory hardware that needed it, he also adjusted the outgoing hot water settings for our radiators and...
-
Rodenhiser is my one stop shop!!! They take care of my HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues & are always helpful addressing any questions I may have about the systems in my house! Everyone...
-
Chris G. and Nick V. showed up bright and early at 8am to fix my water heater issue. They were on time, polite and were able to fix an issue that has been plaguing my house for a good year. They...
Call Rodenhiser at 1-800-462-9710
When you are looking for plumbing, electrical, heating or air conditioning in the Route 495 / 128 area, you will be delighted that you called Massachusetts' trusted choice since 1928.
With a total dedication to professional workmanship and excellent service, discover why families and businesses continue to trust Rodenhiser after generations of service
