Great Heating Safety Tips

Ensuring Heating Safety this Winter Season

With the coldest time of the year bearing down on us, many Coloradans will be turning to their wood and gas fireplaces for warmth and bucking the number one heating safety rule: A seasonal inspection and cleaning. Are you one of them?

A burning issue

Having your fireplace, heat stove, or fireplace insert professionally cleaned and inspected each season ensures safety, identifying structural, flue, and venting issues that could result in fire hazards, not to mention carbon monoxide poisoning. Under serviced heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires – with most reported in the winter months of December, January, and February. The leading factor? Failure to clean, with a spotlight on creosote buildup in solid-fueled heating equipment (primarily chimneys).

Creeping crud is DEFINITELY a heating safety issue

In addition to creosote, a byproduct of combustion that deposits itself on chimney and other fireplace venting surfaces, which is capable of blocking exhaust and igniting, particulates of creosote and soot can cause a host of health problems. Airborne and on your home’s surfaces, these potent toxins can result in everything from breathing issues to rashes and chemical burns, including organ dysfunction and cancer with repeated exposure. Add potentially deadly and odorless carbon monoxide to the mix from blocked or malfunctioning venting, and you’re looking at some serious health issues.

A drop in the bucket

Another issue more recently in the news surrounding heating and fire safety: Droughts. While indoor gas fireplaces and stoves are safe to operate during droughts, outdoor fire pits are not. Due to the current drought, until rain levels increase, abstaining from fire pit operation is mandated to prevent the possibility of brush and forest fires. When normal operation resumes, consider adding a grill pad underneath your fire pit for added heat protection. And remember: No matter what type of fire you are burning, NEVER leave it unattended.

Don’t buck heating safety for convenience. If the heating season snuck up on you this year, it’s never too late to schedule your annual cleaning and maintenance with Fireplace Warehouse ETC. More than a fireplace retailer, we install, service, and maintain all alternative heating products whether it was purchased from us or not! Contact us and ensure the safety of your home and family today.