We do lots of things we don’t want to do in order to keep our families safe. Regular maintenance to your heating system is one of those things that simply must be done in order to minimize any hazards.
You wouldn’t want something like this to happen to your humble abode, now would you? Know the basics to prevent house fires.
Here at Environmental Chimney Services, Inc. your safety isn’t only a priority, it’s our top priority. Now that the holidays are here, house fires become a lurking threat. So here is a short checklist that we feel would help keep you and your family safe this winter season:
Clean Regularly
It is important to remember to clean your chimneys regularly, and not only go when you are planning to use it. Your chimney is very much prone to blockages, more so if you don’t maintain it properly. Actually, one of the major and most common causes of house fires is chimney blockages. A lot of people tend to neglect having their chimneys cleaned, with the assumption that everything is working, so why worry? The problem is — there are many serious threats to your home and your family from a neglected chimney.
You should remember that chimneys should be swept:
- annually when using oil, gas, smokeless fuels or bituminous coal
- perhaps twice a year when using wood (depending on the type of wood)
Prevention
Make it a habit to schedule an inspection each year before the main burning season. When the inspection and cleaning is complete, our sweeps will be able to give you a rundown of the health of your chimney system. Sometimes, small problems are noticed and recommended for maintenance so that they will not become more dangerous and expensive later on.
Orient Yourself
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and informed about your chimney:
- Avoid using liquids like paraffin or petrol since they are highly flammable.
- Don’t burn paper or garbage.
- Don’t add too much fuel.
Simple annual check-ups will provide you a worry-free winter. Now go ahead and have that glass of wine by the fire.