# Guard Against These All Too Common Home Hazards > Winter is when we face the highest risk for indoor electrical, fire and hazardous chemical problems. Use these tips to avoid home hazards. ![overloaded plug - home hazards, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/home-hazards.jpg "home hazards")Winter in our region is the season when home hazards present the highest risk for electrical, fire and [hazardous chemical problems](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/nasty-air-from-garage-getting-in-home.html). 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. ![overloaded plug - home hazards, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/home-hazards.jpg "home 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](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/furnace-filter-easy-to-change-neglect.html) 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](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/carbon-monoxide-detectors-fall-safety-check.html) 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](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html). 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](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** ***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](http://rodenhiser.com/)!*** *Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://shutterstock.com/)* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/guard-against-home-hazards.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/guard-against-home-hazards.html)