Think Space Heater Safety

OMAHA FURNACE REPAIRS SPACE HEATER SAFETY(Gretna, Neb) —  With Nebraska winter temps dipping to cold extremes, furnaces are working full-time to heat our homes. People often rely on secondary heating sources like space heaters to stay cozy, especially in bedrooms. But before you turn on the space heater, we here at Snell Heating and AC in Gretna Neb, recommend checking to make sure you’re taking steps to avoid a house fire.

The National Fire Protection Association calculates that space heaters trigger an estimated 32 percent of house fires in America each year, resulting in close to 500 deaths, 1,550 injuries and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. So fire prevention is an absolute necessity.
More specifically, the NFPA reports that the “leading factor contributing to space heater fires in general was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding.” Other reasons are failure to keep space heaters clean and leaving a space heater on and unattended.

The NFPA offers electric space heater safety tips:

  • Use and only purchase portable space heaters with  automatic shut off
  • Keep space heater 3 feet from any combustible surfaces and on flat, solid surface
  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave room
  • Plug space heaters directly into outlet. Do NOT use an extension cord

Here are more tips for fuel burning space heaters:

  • Always use the proper manufacturer-listed fuel type and grade in portable kerosene or other liquid-fueled space heaters
  • Open window when using heater to ensure ventilation
  • Replace old gas-fired space heaters that do not shut off when carbon monoxide accumulates
  • Wait 5 minutes before trying to turn on the pilot light if it goes out. Light a match before you turn on the gas to prevent a flashback
  • Should should smell gas, do not light the appliance. Turn off controls, open windows & call gas service professional

General furnace safety hints:

  • Hire a qualified professional Omaha furnace repair and maintenance company to inspect & clean yearly
  • For installation of new furnaces, only hire a qualified HVAC company
  • Install carbon monoxide alerts to alert you if gas leaks
  • Never use an oven to heat a home
  • Keep furniture and other combustibles at least 3 feet from heating equipment
  • Hire qualified pro to clean and inspect chimney yearly

We hope these space heater and furnace safety tips help keep your family safe this winter.

Snell Heating and Air Conditioning. Service to the Highest Degree!  

For 24/7 Omaha area emergency furnace repair call 402-332-3531

 

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