Were you aware that October is National Fire Prevention Month? The history behind it is pretty cool, although tragic at the same time. Back in 1922, it was first founded to span a week to initiate fire safety awareness. This was with the intent to remember The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but today it now covers the whole month. Surprisingly, around 358,500 house fires happen every year in the United States. More interestingly, experts say most of them can actually be prevented by practicing simple preventative measures and doing proper maintenance.
So, let’s all come together and raise awareness about fire safety. We want to keep you safe and help you avoid any potential house fires. As always, you can count on your friends at Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning to be here for you!
Common HVAC Fire Hazards:
First, it’s important to understand that your HVAC system isn’t inherently dangerous. But, like anything else, improper practice and negligence can cause problems. So, it’s best to be aware of common fire hazards related to HVAC.
- Electrical Issues: One of the most common reasons for HVAC-related fires is electrical issues. You know, when you buy a home, you don’t always get the complete history of the HVAC unit. Over time, these units get older, wear down, or become outdated. And that can lead to electrical problems with old wiring and circuits. So, we always stress the importance of knowing the condition of your HVAC units. If you can’t remember the last time your units were serviced, just give us a call! Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping any dangerous situations at bay.
- Clutter Around Units: Depending on where your units are located, there’s a chance you might have some clutter nearby. Some HVAC units are installed in garages or basements. And so it’s common for homeowners to use that space for storage by piling up boxes, paint cans, cleaning supplies, or whatever else around or in front of the HVAC unit. But here’s the thing: it’s important to keep the area clear of clutter and let the air circulate around each unit. This applies whether your HVAC units are in designated closets or anywhere else in your home. So, remember to give them some breathing room and definitely keep any flammable items away!
- Poor Installation: One of the main reasons HVAC-related fires occur is due to improper installation. Installing an HVAC unit involves numerous details. Moreover, if your HVAC system is not regularly serviced, poorly installed units can go unnoticed for years. That’s why it’s always important to work with a licensed HVAC company that employs certified technicians for installations. Don’t forget to schedule your regular maintenance checks!
Fire Prevention Tips from Your Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning Professionals:
- First things first, let’s talk about forming an escape plan. It’s crucial that the whole family, including the little ones know it well. Choose a familiar spot outside, far away from the house, where everyone can gather in case of a fire.
- For added safety, it’s a good idea to have a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your home. These hybrid alarms can detect carbon monoxide and natural gases like methane and propane. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- If you don’t already have smoke detectors on every level of your home, it’s a good idea to consider getting them as soon as possible. Oh, and don’t forget about the basement if you have one! It’s also recommended to place a smoke detector outside every sleeping area, like in the hallway. And if possible, an interconnected smoke alarm system is a great choice. That means if one alarm goes off in a specific area of your home, all of the alarms will go off, giving you more time to react.
- Remember to regularly test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and stay on top of battery replacement. It’s a good idea to switch out the batteries every year, just to be safe!
- Smoke alarms don’t last forever! So, be sure to check the manufacture date on the back of the smoke alarm and replace it ten years from that date.
- Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, ideally in a convenient and easily reachable spot in a common area.
- According to experts, it’s actually best to keep all bedroom doors closed at night. This helps slow the spread of fire, which can make a big difference in saving lives.
At Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning, we genuinely care about the safety of your family. We want to make sure you have everything you need to keep them safe. That’s why we highly recommend staying on top of your annual maintenance. It’s the best way to ensure that your HVAC system is up to current standards and running smoothly. Give us a call to learn more about our Whole Home Protection Plan. We’ve got you covered when it comes to keeping your home and HVAC system in tip-top shape!
Call Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!