HVAC Safety Tips: Heating Your Home While Keeping Your Family Safe and Sound
It is the end of a long day, and you jump into bed. Your eyes close, and you slowly drift off to sleep. The last thing you want to stop you from your well-deserved slumber is the question of whether or not your HVAC system is working correctly. You should have confidence that your heating and cooling system will keep you and your family comfortable and safe.
But how can you ensure you are doing your part to support your HVAC system’s functionality?
Learn essential HVAC safety tips to protect you and your equipment, from basic safety checks to preventative maintenance, and more.
Table of Contents
- 12 Home Heating Safety Tips From the Experts at AAA Heating & Cooling
- AAA Heating & Cooling: Keeping Portland’s Homes Safe and Comfortable for Over 60 Years
12 Home Heating Safety Tips From the Experts at AAA Heating & Cooling
When it comes to your home, safety should always be the number one priority. Everything must run smoothly and efficiently to provide the peace of mind you need. Not only must your systems be well-maintained, but everyone should also take additional safety precautions in their homes. Let’s explore some home heating safety tips and the best ways to keep your family sleeping safe and sound each night.
AAA Heating & Cooling has experience with installing and maintaining HVAC systems in the Portland area. To ensure your HVAC is operating properly, contact us for help.
#1: Replace Air Filters Regularly
Replacing your air filters helps support your system’s efficiency and can prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into your home. If your air filter reduces airflow, it can strain your HVAC system. This strain can lead to cracks in the system, which can leak carbon monoxide. To ensure proper airflow, it is recommended that you check your filters regularly and clean or change them at least every three months.
#2: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
In America, around 400 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Additionally, over 100,000 end up visiting the hospital, and 14,000 remain hospitalized due to the side effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. These numbers can easily be lowered with proper carbon monoxide prevention in their homes.
To keep you and your household safe, it is essential to take preventative measures to ensure the safety of carbon monoxide (CO) and educate yourself on familiar sources where carbon monoxide can come from.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless substance that can be very dangerous when inhaled — you may lose consciousness or possibly die. Carbon monoxide exists when materials are burning and can quickly build up if you are in a home without adequate airflow. Many times, people who are sleeping are at greater risk because they can die from carbon monoxide poisoning before they realize they have symptoms.
Some familiar sources of carbon monoxide include:
- Boilers
- Water heaters
- Furnaces or chimneys
- Clothes dryers
- Central heating systems
- Generators or other gas-powered items like grills or lawn equipment
- Fireplaces
- Gas stoves and ovens
- Wood stoves
- Automobiles
To ensure your home is safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced every six months.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in the following areas:
- Every level of home
- Every bedroom or sleeping area
- Inside attached garages
In addition to placing carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, you should take preventable actions to ensure carbon monoxide does not enter the house in the first place. You should:
- Avoid using appliances like ovens or gas stoves to heat your home
- Properly vent fuel-burning appliances
- Keep vents clear
- Ensure furnace and fuel-burning appliances are maintained and inspected annually
If you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, fatigue, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, you should leave your home immediately and call 911.
#3: Check Smoke Detectors Monthly
Smoke detectors are just as crucial as carbon monoxide detectors in your home. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, three out of five fire deaths are due to homes not having smoke alarms or having smoke alarms that do not work properly. The risk of dying in a fire drops 50% just by having working smoke detectors in your home.
It is important to check smoke detectors once a month to ensure you are alerted if smoke becomes present. Additionally, changing the batteries about every six months is recommended.
It is recommended that smoke alarms should be installed:
- Inside and outside every bedroom/ sleeping area
- In kitchens
- Above clothing dryers
Since smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in similar areas, a detector for both can be a great option to add to your home.
#4: Clean Ductwork
As a new homeowner or renter, it is common not to know if your ductwork has been cleaned because inspectors do not require it. If your home is dusty, has musty smells, or you noticed loud noises from the HVAC system, you should have your ducts checked and cleaned. Cleaning ductwork is crucial for HVAC function, but if there are leaks, they should be repaired right away to avoid safety issues or overworking your system.
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, air ducts should be cleaned every three to five years. If construction is done in the home, consider cleaning earlier than that time frame.
#5: Open Vents
A common misconception of homeowners or renters is that closing vents will save money or make the air flow more efficient. This is incorrect because the HVAC will force air through those vents harder. The HVAV’s job is to regulate the home’s temperature as much as possible, so closing the vents will make it work overtime just to do its job. Keeping the air vents open allows the temperature to be equally distributed from room to room and keeps your HVAC running without any significant issues.
In addition to damaging the HVAC system and losing money, keeping your vents closed can:
- Cause leaks in the HVAC system or make leaks worse
- Make your HVAC system less efficient
- Cause mold growth due to misdirected heating and cooling
- Cause leaky duct, which can lead to elevated radon levels
- Cause the pressure to damage your heat exchanger, which can cause carbon monoxide leaks
If you are looking for alternatives to closing your vents, consider:
- Opening doors
- Partially closing vents (75% closed) if the issue is due to comfort or temperature
#6: Keep Clutter and Flammables Away From the Furnace
Many times, furnaces are kept in a separate and secure area to eliminate the opportunity for damage or disruption. If your furnace is accessible for daily use, ensure that paper, towels, blankets, and other flammable objects are away from the area.
#7: Install a Regulated Thermostat
Thermostats help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the home. Ensure your home stays comfortable by setting it to a reasonable temperature regardless of whether or not you are home. This will ensure:
- Proper airflow
- That your system is not overworked
- Your pipes will not become frozen or burst pipes from extreme temperatures
In today’s world, smart thermostats are available for installation with most HVAC systems and can provide many benefits for heating and cooling efficiency and ease, including:
- Learned temperature preferences for energy-saving and comfort
- Ability to remotely control HVAC when away from your home
- Air quality and safety features are included to ensure the homeowner’s safety
AAA Heating & Cooling can ensure that your smart thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system and is properly installed and running safely to avoid issues with your heating and cooling.
#8: Keep the Outdoor Unit Debris-Free
Your condenser is often on the side of your home and can easily be forgotten or avoided. Ensure the area is well-kept and debris-free and that plants are not overgrown. If the condenser is blocked, it can limit airflow, making it harder to cool your home. Additionally, blocked condensers can overheat and malfunction.
#9: Practice Electrical Safety
It is important to educate yourself and others about operating circuit breakers and other appliances in the home. If there is ever a power outage, it is good to know that turning off circuit breakers connected to heating and cooling systems can prevent electricity spikes. This can help protect your HVAC system from needing repairs or replacement.
If you are experiencing electrical troubles and unsure how to protect your HVAC system or support it after a power outage, call AAA Heating and Cooling. We can help ensure it is running safely again.
#10: Keep Children and Pets Safe
To keep pets and kids safe, block and child-proof any areas containing furnaces or burners to prevent burns or other injuries. Many older homes have furnaces in common areas, so ensuring these are safely blocked and childproof is vital to keep them functioning and everyone in the household safe. Some products, such as safety covers, block access to the furnace. Additionally, ensure that blankets, pillows, toys, etc., are never placed near the furnace to prevent fires.
#11: Install Surge Protectors
Installing surge protectors on heating and air conditioning systems can protect expensive equipment from malfunctioning. Surge protectors are made to automatically shut down the power if an electrical spike occurs. By installing a surge protector on your HVAC, you can save money and extend the life of your HVAC system.
#12: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular HVAC system maintenance can ensure your system is running smoothly. Faulty systems can lead to many problems for the system and your home’s safety. AAA Heating and Cooling is here to help ensure everything runs efficiently and smoothly with our expert technicians. If you need HVAC maintenance, contact us today to request an appointment.
AAA Heating & Cooling: Keeping Portland’s Homes Safe and Comfortable for Over 60 Years
When it comes to the safety of your home and family, you want a team of HVAC professionals with over 60 years of experience to assist in installing and maintaining your heating and cooling.
AAA Heating and Cooling is the Portland HVAC company of choice for keeping families safe and comfortable in their homes. Our team is dedicated to helping you with all your heating and cooling needs, whether you need HVAC services, repairs, or installation. Your health, comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our highest priorities.
Contact us today to hear from our experts on how we can support your home’s HVAC needs and concerns and provide the quality experience you deserve.