This Winter Keep Your Home Safe When Using Alternative Heating Sources
With the rising costs of heating oil mounting every year, countless people are looking for alternative ways to heat their homes.
Property fires become more of a risk when you start to look at alternative heating sources.
On this article we will be going over a few ways to keep your home safe when using these alternative heating sources.
One thing many individuals do is usually to go out and get an electric heater or even an electric fireplace.
These so-called area heating elements or electric fireplaces are often a rather large fire risk if not used properly.
First point you should know about these types of units is that you should in no way leave these running when your not home.
If you are not home, despite the fact that the units are generally safe, it can be dangerous still to leave it on.
Setting any objects in close proximity to the devices while they are running is something you should not do as well.
Keeping materials that are flammable 3 feet or more away from the unit is highly suggested.
Plugging this unit into a power strip just isn't something you should do.
Needless to say many people end up getting themselves a wood fire stove or a fireplace.
Warming up your dwelling by doing this is good, but you should know the risks involved.
If you feel like you will be able to install the stove yourself, it is critical to realize that it is better to let a professional do it for you.
When it is put in correctly you will know for sure that there is less of a likelihood for a fire to start.
Additionally upon having the unit installed you will need to make sure that you have your wood stove and chimney inspected and cleaned regularly.
Creosote is considered the major explanation why chimney fires occur and it builds up over time in the chimney and stove.
One more idea to know is placing a barrier made of metal or glass in front of the wood stove or fireplace.
It will help reduce any possibilities of any wood sparks landing on your flooring or other flammable materials.
When you are not at your home, it is a good plan to shut the wood stove or fireplace off.
Finally, you should make sure you've got a smoke detector in every room of your house.
Although this is not normally required by law, this is an excellent way to help make sure your family is notified if there is a fire.
A fire extinguisher should likewise be all set to begin using on each floor of your home.
It is always good to be equipped the best you can even though you can't foretell the future, but the above tips should be helpful.