October is recognized as National Fire Prevention Month, a commemoration that originated from honoring The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 with the added aim of raising fire safety awareness. What was initially observed for a week has now expanded to encompass the entire month. Did you know that an alarming 358,500 house fires occur each year in the United States alone. But the unsettling truth is that most of these tragedies can be prevented through simple preventive measures and diligent maintenance. Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning Group invites you to join us in raising awareness about HVAC-related fire safety tips and protecting you from the very real threat of house fires.
Identifying Common HVAC Fire Hazards:
It is crucial to acknowledge that HVAC systems, by themselves, are not inherently dangerous. However, like any other equipment, failure to follow proper practices and instances of negligence can result in hazardous situations. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the most prevalent fire hazards associated with HVAC systems.
- Electrical Issues: One of the primary causes of HVAC-related fires is electrical issues. Oftentimes, when people buy homes, the complete HVAC unit history may not be readily accessible. As time passes, wiring and circuits can deteriorate or become outdated, resulting in electrical complications. This common issue underscores the importance of regular maintenance in preventing potentially hazardous situations.
- Clutter Issues: HVAC units are often installed in garages or basements, which are commonly used for storage. However, regardless of the unit’s placement, it is crucial to maintain a clutter-free area. Sufficient space should be left to ensure proper airflow circulation. Additionally, it is important to keep flammable items away from the vicinity. Avoid placing items such as boxes, paint cans, chemicals, cleaning solutions, or miscellaneous objects in close proximity.
- Installation Issues: Improper installation is another frequent cause of HVAC-related fires. The installation process of a unit involves numerous intricate details. As a result, units that are poorly installed can go unnoticed for extended periods of time without regular servicing. This is why it is crucial to partner with a licensed HVAC company for all your HVAC requirements and schedule regular maintenance checks as well.
Fire Prevention Recommendations from Your Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning Professionals:
- Develop a thorough escape plan that includes all family members, including children. Designate a designated outdoor meeting point away from the house to gather in case of a fire. Then review the plan with your household to ensure everyone comprehends and is familiar with it.
- Ensure safety in your home by installing Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detectors. These detectors effectively identify carbon monoxide, methane, and propane leaks, prioritizing the well-being of your household.
- Make sure that smoke detectors are strategically placed on each level of your residence, including the basement. Moreover, if feasible, consider positioning smoke detectors outside sleeping areas, such as in hallways.
- Regularly inspect and test your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors on a monthly basis. It’s also a good idea to replace all the detector’s batteries at least once a year.
- Please be aware that smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, typically around ten years. You can check the manufacturing date on the back of your smoke alarms and replace them accordingly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, ideally placed in easily accessible common areas.
- Experts recommend keeping bedroom doors closed at night. This strategy has been proven to effectively slow down the spread of house fires and has, in fact, resulted in saving lives.
At Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning, the safety of your family is our utmost priority. Our objective is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure the protection of your loved ones. Consistent annual maintenance is fundamental in guaranteeing that your HVAC system complies with current standards and performs optimally. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive Whole Home Protection Plan, designed to simplify the process of keeping your home and HVAC system in top-notch condition. We are committed to standing by your side and assisting you in safeguarding your home.
Call Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (937) 230-5521, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
