The high costs of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. Consumers are turning to wood or pellet-burning appliances and fireplaces while space heaters are selling rapidly or coming out of storage. Although these methods of heating may help reduce costs, they are a major contributing factor in residential fires.

 

Wood or pellet-burning appliances and fireplaces—make sure stoves and inserts are UL listed and installed properly. Stoves should have a clearance of 36 inches from combustible surfaces.

• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.

• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate fires.

• Make sure the flue is open and keep a screen in front of the fire to catch sparks.

• Keep flammable materials away from the area.

• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out.

• Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace—they can emit carbon monoxide.

 

Furnace heating—it is important to have your furnace inspected annually.

• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.

• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists—do not attempt repairs yourself.

• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.

• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.

• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

 

Electric space heaters—if you use a portable electric heater avoid dangerous circuit overload and use only extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. Never use them in bathrooms or other damp/wet areas. Keep bedding, clothes, curtains and other flammable items at least three feet away from space heaters