Did you know that October is National Fire Prevention Month? It all started to honor the memory of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Now, it’s expanded to cover the entire month. This is because every year, a shocking 358,500 house fires take place. The good news is that most of these tragedies can be prevented with some simple tips and regular maintenance. We, your Upper Arlington Heating & Air family, are here to raise awareness about fire safety and provide any HVAC-related tips to aid you.  

Common HVAC Fire Hazards:  

First and foremost, it’s important to know and understand that HVAC systems aren’t inherently dangerous appliances. They are complex pieces of equipment that need proper TLC, just like many other things. However, like anything else, if proper practices aren’t followed, and negligence occurs, it can lead to detrimental situations. For this reason, we believe it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most common fire hazards related to HVAC. 

• Electrical Issues: One of the biggest causes of HVAC-related fires is electrical issues. When people buy homes, they don’t always have the complete history of the HVAC unit, which can be a problem. Over time, the wiring and circuits can get old or outdated, and that can lead to electrical problems. That’s why it’s super important to do regular maintenance to avoid any dangerous situations. Consistent maintenance is the best form of preventative care. 
• Clutter Around the Units: Some HVAC units are often placed in garages or basements, which are commonly used for storage. But no matter where the unit is located, it’s important to keep the area clutter-free. Make sure there’s enough space for proper airflow. And remember, keep any flammable items away from the vicinity. Avoid placing boxes, paint cans, chemicals, cleaning solutions, or random stuff nearby. Safety first! 
• Poor Installation Problems: Another common cause of HVAC-related fires is inadequate installation. The installation process involves many intricate details, so units that are poorly installed can go undetected for long periods without regular servicing. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a licensed HVAC company for all your HVAC needs and make sure to schedule those regular maintenance checks, as mentioned earlier. 

Fire Prevention Recommendations from Your Upper Arlington Heating & Air Professionals:  

• Create a thorough fire escape plan that involves all family members, including the little ones! Designate a clear meeting spot outside the house in case of a fire. Then, take the time to go over the plan with everyone in your household, ensuring that everyone understands and knows it well.  
• Make your home safer by installing Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detectors. These detectors can detect carbon monoxide, methane, and propane leaks. Stay protected and worry-free, knowing you have all the appropriate detectors in place. 
• Make it a point to have smoke detectors placed strategically on every level of your home, including the basement. And if you can, it’s a good idea to have smoke detectors in hallways outside sleeping areas too. 
• Remember to regularly check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors every month. And don’t forget, change the batteries at the very least once a year.  
• Smoke alarms have a lifespan of about ten years. You can check the manufacturing date on the back of your smoke alarms and replace them when needed, keeping in mind the ten-year lifespan. 
• Place a fire extinguisher on every level of your home, ideally in easily reachable spots where everyone can find them.  
• Experts actually recommend keeping bedroom doors closed at night. It’s a simple strategy that can make a big difference due to it slowing down the spread of house fires, ultimately an effective strategy to save lives. 

At Upper Arlington Heating & Air, your family’s safety is our top priority. We want to make sure you have all the knowledge and tools you need to protect your loved ones. That’s why consistent annual maintenance is so important. It’s the foundation for keeping your HVAC system up to date and running smoothly. Reach out to us to learn about our Whole Home Protection Plan. It’s designed to make it easy for you to keep your home and HVAC system in the best condition possible. Rest assured, we’re here to support you and help you safeguard your home.  

Call Upper Arlington Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!