Heating Your Home Safely

We have all read and heard about the high cost of heating expected during this winter season. Some homeowners will supplement their heating needs through the use of kerosene space heaters, electric heaters and fireplaces.  Unfortunately, these appliances can also be a serious threat to you and your family members if installed improperly or poorly maintained.

Whether you plan to light your fireplace, turn up the furnace, or pull out the space heater to combat the colder temperatures, you need to be aware of the basic safety features associated with these appliances in order to prevent unnecessary injuries.

In 2002 (the latest year available from NFPA) there were over 45,000 heating fires reported in the United States that caused 220 deaths, 990 injuries and approximately $449 million dollars in property damage. 

To help insure a warm and safe heating season we suggest or recommend the following:

General Safety Tips

·        Never attempt to heat a structure with a device that was designed for outdoor use, such as a camp stove.

·        Reduce the setting of your thermostat.  For every degree above 68 you add approximately 3 percent to your heating cost.  Reduce the setting of your thermostat at night by 5 degrees can save approximately 8 percent, or 10 will save approximately 11 percent of your heating cost.

·        Heat only those rooms you use.  Close doors to unused rooms.

·        During winter months, open shades, drapes, or curtains on the south side of your house to gain the sun’s free solar heat.  Windows on the north side should remain covered at all times.

·        Do not block heaters or vents with furniture, drapes, curtains, or appliances.

·        Many homeowners substitute the use of furnaces by leaving stoves and ovens on as a source of home heating. This practice is not only very expensive but is very dangerous as well.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

·        Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned once a year by a specialist.

·        Gas burning fireplaces should be cleaned of soot and residue at least once a year.

·        Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.

·        Always put a glass or metal spark screen in front of the fireplace.  Leave glass doors open while burning a fire. 

·        Make sure the flue is open before lighting.

·        Never use flammable or combustible liquids to start a fire. 

·        Never leave a fire unattended.

·        Dispose of cooled ashes in a sealed metal container outside your house.

Space Heater

·        When buying a space heater, make sure it carries the mark of U.L.

·        Make sure it has a thermostat control, and will turn off automatically if the heater turns over.

·        Do not attempt to dry clothes on a space heater.

·        Space heaters need space!  Keep combustible materials like curtains, beds, clothes, and children at least three-feet from the heater.

·        Do not operate a space heater with an extension cord and turn it off when not in use.

·        Use in small areas for short periods of time.

 Kerosene Heaters

·        Buy only U.L. approved kerosene heaters.

·        Never fuel your kerosene heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel.  ONLY use K-1 Kerosene.

·        Add fuel to kerosene heaters only when heater is completely cool.

·        Only use a kerosene heater in a well ventilated area.

Protect Yourself and the Inside of Your Home

·        Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.

·        Check the batteries in your existing smoke detectors once a month and replace them once a year.

·        Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan. 

Click for more information on heating safety from the NFPA.

Home