Did you know that October is recognized as National Fire Prevention Month? Initially observed for a week to commemorate The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it has now expanded to cover the entire month. Shockingly, approximately 358,500 house fires occur each year. However, the majority of these incidents can be prevented by homeowners implementing simple preventative measures and practicing proper maintenance. Join us, your Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling family, as we aim to ignite awareness about safety and help you safeguard your home from potential HVAC-related fire hazards. 

Top Common HVAC Fire Hazards:  

First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that your HVAC system is not inherently hazardous. However, as with any aspect of life, improper practices and neglect can have adverse consequences. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with common fire hazards associated with HVAC systems.  

• Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are a common cause of HVAC-related fires. Often, the complete history of an HVAC unit is unavailable when purchasing a home. Over time, these units age, deteriorate, or become outdated, leading to electrical problems with old wiring and circuits. So, it is crucial to be aware of the condition of your HVAC units. If you can’t recall the last time your units were serviced, please contact us!  
• Clutter Problems: The presence of clutter in the vicinity of your HVAC unit may be a significant concern, depending on where it’s located. Certain HVAC units are installed in garages or basements. Consequently, it is common for homeowners to utilize this space for storage purposes. So, it’s typical for this area to be used for the stacking of boxes, paint cans, chemicals, household cleaning solutions, or any other miscellaneous items in or around an HVAC unit. Therefore, ensuring the area remains clear of items or clutter and allowing for adequate airflow circulation around each unit is paramount.  
• Installation Problems: Improper installation is another prevalent cause of HVAC-related fires. The installation process of an HVAC unit involves numerous critical details. Moreover, units that are poorly installed can remain undetected for extended periods if regular servicing is neglected. Hence, it is imperative to collaborate with a licensed HVAC company that employs certified technicians for installations and also to ensure regular maintenance checks are scheduled.  

Fire Prevention Tips from Your Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling Professionals:  

• Develop an evacuation strategy and ensure all your family members, including young children, are familiar with it. Designating an outdoor location, far from the house, as a meeting point in the event of a fire is always a good idea. 
• To prioritize safety, it is advisable to utilize a Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detector in your residence. These advanced alarms can effectively identify carbon monoxide as well as natural gases, including methane and propane. 
• To ensure utmost safety, it is highly recommended to install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement. Additionally, placing a smoke detector outside each sleeping area, such as in the hallway, is also advised. If feasible, opting for an interconnected smoke alarm system is an excellent choice. This way, when one alarm is triggered in a specific area of your home, all alarms will sound, providing you with ample time to take appropriate action. 
• It is important to prioritize regular monthly testing of your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and stay vigilant about battery replacement. A recommended practice is to replace the batteries annually to ensure safety.  
• Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. Therefore, you should verify the manufacture date on the back of the smoke alarm and replace it ten years after that date. 
• Ensure that a fire extinguisher is present on each level of your residence, ideally located in a readily accessible space. 
• According to experts, it is recommended to keep all bedroom doors closed during the night as it effectively slows down the spread of fire. This strategy has been proven to save lives. 

At Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling, we prioritize your family’s safety and strive to provide you with the necessary tools for it. We highly recommend staying up to date with your annual maintenance as the most effective way to ensure your HVAC system meets current standards and operates smoothly. Contact us to ask about our comprehensive Whole Home Protection Plan, designed to keep your home and HVAC system in optimal condition. Rest assured; we’ve got your back when it comes to protecting your home! 

Call Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling today at (937) 412-2911, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!