With the winter weather we all tend to spend the majority of our time indoors trying to stay warm. While sometimes hiding under the covers and drinking hot tea will do the trick, Teays Valley Service Experts is here with a few tips on how to stay warm (and safe!) this winter.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Verify you have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors installed on each floor of your home, specifically near bedrooms, and test them to verify they are functioning. Since CO does not have a smell and cannot be detected, it’s vital that you have functioning CO detectors to make sure your home is safe.
Get Your Chimney Inspection
This is the ideal time of year to get the fireplace up and running, but before you do, ensure you have your chimney cleaned and checked by a professional. The fireplace could be a source of CO if you don’t keep it properly cleaned and maintained.
Be Careful with Space Heaters
Space heaters are generally safe, energy efficient, and a successful way to heat small areas of your home, but make sure it has been sanctioned by a recognized testing laboratory and contains an automatic shut-off feature. Obey all manufacturer’s instructions and be sure it is placed on a hard, level surface at least 36 inches away from any flammable items.
Furnace Tune-Up
With a Precision tune-up from Teays Valley Service Experts in Hurricane, we will perform a safety check of your heating system to ensure there are no leaks or CO issues. Along with a furnace tune-up, confirm your heating vents are not blocked and that you’re swapping out your air filter every 30 days. This will avoid the air flow from becoming restricted and help prevent allergens from irritating respiratory issues.
If You Need Help Staying Warm, Ask
There are correct ways and wrong ways to make sure your home is heated – using the oven, a grill, or a camp stove are all wrong ways. Using these appliances to heat your home could cause a fire or a dangerous accumulation of carbon monoxide. If you need assistance paying your heating bills, visit NeedHelpPayingBills.com to find a service near you.
To make sure your home is ready to keep you safe and warm all winter long, call Teays Valley Service Experts at 304-760-5088 today.