Cozy Up Safely for the Wintertime | SERVPRO® of East Greenville County

1/22/2023 (Permalink)

Winter is here, and you are sure to feel the chill here in Greenville. Winters here tend to be chilly but moderate, but every now and then we get a surprise visit from heavy snowfall, such as the storm that hit us earlier this year, which was one of the worst in years!

Even if we don’t receive any more snow, it’s important to stay warm, and it’s equally important to heat your home safely. Whether you use a space heater or a fireplace, without the correct measures, fires could quickly ignite.

Avoiding flames and keeping warm is simple when you know what to avoid. Here are some tips on how to warm up your home safely during the winter.

<h3basics">Furnace Basics

Most homes come with a furnace and an HVAC system that helps send warm air throughout the house. Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your furnace working properly during the winter. If you haven’t already, check your furnace for any apparent issues and give it a deep-clean so it can run without problems from a buildup of dust and debris.

Go ahead and replace your air filter while you’re maintaining your HVAC system. As long as you replace your filter at the beginning of every new season, you can keep your home’s air quality fresh from allergens, dust and dirt while prolonging the lifespan of your HVAC.

<h3safety">Fireplace Safety

A fireplace is one of the best ways to heat up your entire home, but if it isn’t used with caution, a fire emergency is sure to ensue. Cleaning it and checking for any issues on the regular can keep you safe from an accidental fire.

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, clean up any excess ash, clear your chimney of blockages and clear any smoke or soot remnants from nearby areas. For an artificial fireplace, take off the glass cover and wipe it down. Give the inside a thorough clean too by dusting around and cleaning off any buildup.

<h3heaters">Portable Heaters

One gadget that makes cozying up the home simple is a space heater. While they are easy to use, they can be a fire hazard when used improperly. Plug up your space heater at least three feet away from anything flammable, and remember to shut it off before heading to bed.

Keep your space heater balanced and in an area where it won’t get tipped over. Always plug space heaters directly into the wall and avoid plugging them into an extension cord!

When using your space heaters or fireplace, be sure to supervise your children and pets while they are around them. You only need one mishap to create a large-scale catastrophe in your home this winter.

If you experience fire damage this season, give us a call at SERVPRO of East Greenville County for immediate assistance. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ when you need us!