Safety Tips for Keeping Your House Warm During the Winter
Often, during the Wintertime, fires in the home are the result of a combustible item being too close to a heater or hot element, reports the U.S. Fire Administration. Everyone wants to stay warm during the winter, but safety has to come first! Read on for some great safety tips for keeping your house warm and staying safe during the winter.
Fire up the Fireplace
Wintertime is always an excellent excuse for firing up the fireplace. When loading up, be sure to use appropriately sized firewood so that the firebox has enough space for air to pass through. Also, check the flue so that any fumes immediately rise up and into the chimney.
Ideally, call for a professional to clean the chimney before you light it for the first time this winter. Debris can build up in the fireplace during the offseason, which can lead to a fire. [Homes with Fireplaces in Northern Arizona.]
Use the Furnace Sparingly
Forced warm air from your central furnace is convenient and comfortable during the winter. To control your energy costs, adjust the temperature to around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A well maintained electrical or gas heater can heat your home well enough so that it isn’t frigid. And wear warmer sweaters and use blankets to warm yourself as well.
Remember, setting the furnace at a high temperature will wear it out faster over time. You’ll also waste energy, which translates into expensive utility bills at the end of the month.
Pull Out the Space Heaters
A space heater is a smart resource when you want to warm one section of the home. Place it on a flat surface, such as the floor. A hard surface is ideal. Carpets may be too unsteady and pose fire risks. Be sure to occupy the room when the space heater is on. Do not leave your space heater unattended! If it tips over, it might start a fire. Verify that it has an automatic shutoff feature to be entirely safe.
Conserve the Heat
Keep the house warm by conserving the heat that’s already inside. A quick way to do that is to add weatherstripping to doors and windows. If your home already has weatherstripping, check for any brittle or bent sections. Once you warm the house, you want to trap the heat for as long as possible, so seal it up!
Curtains are also your best friend during the winter. Open them up to let the sunlight into the home during the day. Close them tightly at night, so that warm air doesn’t escape through the windows.
Skip the Stove or Oven
The Office of the Tenant Advocate at DC.gov warns everyone to avoid using their stoves or ovens as warming elements. Malfunctions can happen, which can lead to carbon monoxide within the home. This gas can cause fatalities in a closed home without proper ventilation.
Opt for warmth from the furnace or fireplace. Take advantage of the wintry weather by using the stove or oven to cook something for the family. As long as you’re using it as designed, the ambient heat can warm the home. In basic terms, please don’t run this appliance unless you’re cooking with it.
Trust your instincts when it comes to heating the home. If you’re improperly using a heating element, a serious accident may occur. Follow all the instructions for your heaters so that you can remain safe throughout the winter.
Looking for that home with a fireplace or need some help with your primary heat source? Give me a call at (928) 300-1080 or send me an email for more information.
-Justin
The Full-Time Real Estate Agent
