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When the weather turns chilly outside, many homeowners turn to a fireplace, space heater, wood-burning stove or patio heater to make their space a little cozier. Yet these appliances require proper installation, use and maintenance to keep you, your home and your family safe.<\/p>\n
Installing and maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is important in all homes, especially those that enjoy a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace. There are also several other things you should be aware of so you can enjoy heat-generating appliances safely.<\/p>\n
According to the US Fire Administration<\/a>, fires caused by portable electric heaters cause 65 deaths and 150 injuries each year.<\/p>\n While an electric space heater may seem like an easy way to warm up a drafty or chilly room in your house, ultimately it can be wise to avoid them altogether. But, if you do choose to use one, it is imperative to follow strict\u00a0electric space heater safety<\/a>\u00a0guidelines.<\/p>\n Determine the size of the room you\u2019ll want to heat. Shop for a heater that is an appropriate size for your space. The packaging or manufacturer specifications should tell you how many square feet the appliance can heat. Choosing a heater that\u2019s too big for the room can pose a safety risk.<\/p>\n Buy your space heater from a reputable retailer, and make sure the label states that it has been certified by an independent testing laboratory such as UL. Look for features like a safety cut-off switch that will turn the heater off if it tips over.<\/p>\n Follow these basic safety precautions when using your electric space heater:<\/p>\n And finally, turn your space heater off if you plan to leave the room or go to sleep to avoid the serious fire risk posed by an unattended electric space heater.<\/p>\n Electric fireplaces have become popular with homeowners who love the pleasant glow of a fire but don\u2019t want to deal with wood, smoke and ashes. They are generally safer than those that burn wood, but it\u2019s still important to follow these electric fireplace safety tips:<\/p>\n There are many electric fireplaces available, including<\/p>\n Choose an electric fireplace that\u2019s right for the size of your space and the location you want to use it, whether indoors or outdoors. Note that many electric fireplaces are made for indoor use only. Also look for safety features such as an overheat safety shutoff and a feature that\u00a0monitors the heat of the plug to prevent electrical fires.<\/p>\n Some electric fireplaces simply plug into a power outlet. If you buy an electric fireplace that plugs in, follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions about the required type of outlet and grounding. You may need to put the fireplace on a dedicated circuit to avoid blowing a fuse. And if you buy an electric fireplace that needs to be hardwired into your home\u2019s electrical wiring, hire a licensed electrician to do the job safely.<\/p>\n Only use your electric fireplace when you\u2019re awake and in the room where it\u2019s operating. Electric fireplaces give off much less heat than wood-burning fireplaces, but it\u2019s still important to be diligent when you\u2019re using one. Follow manufacturer instructions on cords. For example, some manufacturers warn you not to use an extension cord with your electric fireplace.<\/p>\n If you need to change a light bulb, clean the fireplace or perform other maintenance, make sure the appliance is unplugged and has cooled down completely first. Follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions in the owner\u2019s manual when accessing the unit, cleaning it and performing maintenance. For example, the manual may tell you not to use water or abrasive cleaners on your fireplace.<\/p>\n Patio heaters allow you to stay warm and toasty in your outdoor living space into the fall and even the winter, depending on where you live. Most gas patio heaters run on propane gas, though there are electric and natural gas patio heaters. If you\u2019ll want to heat up your outdoor space, follow these patio heater safety tips<\/p>\n The manufacturer specifications should tell you the size of the area the appliance is intended to heat. Measure your space, and pick a heater that\u2019s the correct size for the square footage. You may need multiple heaters for a large space. Also look for safety features, such as automatic shut-off when the heater is tilted.<\/p>\n The manufacturer will tell you what kind of fuel to use for your heater and where you can safely place the heater in your outdoor space. Pay close attention to the required distance from walls and ceilings or tarps. Putting your heater too close to one of these structures could cause a fire.<\/p>\n Patio heaters such as those that run on propane gas emit carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes. It is very important to never, ever use a patio heater indoors. Doing so could pose a life-threatening safety risk to you and your family. Patio heaters are meant for use on outdoor courtyards, decks and patios.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re expecting strong winds<\/a> in your area, you may need to store your patio heater in a shed or other safe space during the bad weather. High winds could tip and damage your patio heater, making it less safe to operate.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re considering installing a wood stove in your home, it\u2019s important to find a trusted professional. They will be familiar with your\u00a0local and regional regulations<\/a>\u00a0regarding wood-burning appliance installation and maintenance, such as annual cleaning. Make sure your stove complies with all local fire and building codes, such as proper clearance around the stove and acceptable venting. Also ensure your stove pipe dimensions and flue\/damper specifications meet the necessary requirements.<\/p>\n Whether you heat your home with a wood-burning fireplace or a wood stove, it\u2019s critical to make sure there\u2019s enough ventilation to direct smoke and carbon monoxide out of your home. Inadequate ventilation could lead to the buildup of\u00a0carbon monoxide<\/a>, a silent, odorless, yet deadly, gas inside your home.<\/p>\n Also take a look at what\u2019s surrounding your chimney on your home\u2019s exterior. Remove tree branches that are within 15 feet from the top of your chimney. Ensure there\u2019s a chimney cap installed to prevent debris and small animals<\/a> (like squirrels) from falling in and blocking the smoke flow from your wood stove or fireplace.<\/p>\n As with all areas of your home, proper maintenance of your wood-burning appliance helps prevent potential problems like overheating, which could lead to fires, and leaks that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep an eye on your wood stove doors\u2019 seals to ensure they aren\u2019t crumbling. Also monitor your chimney for wear and tear on pipe, stone, mortar or chimney bricks that could pose a fire hazard.<\/p>\n Schedule annual inspections and cleanings of your chimney with a qualified chimney services technician. Keeping your chimney clear of soot and debris can help prevent both fires from starting in the chimney and potential carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition to a thorough cleaning, a professional will look for and remove any other chimney blockage that could pose a chimney fire hazard, like birds\u2019 nests.<\/p>\n A professional can also help you determine if you\u2019ve already had a chimney fire, which often goes undetected. Even a small fire can damage a chimney, endangering your home and family. Signs you may have had a chimney fire include:<\/p>\n Developing good safety habits around your wood stove and fireplace is a wise idea for everyone in your family to help\u00a0prevent injury and unwanted fires<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.bolderinsurance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/image.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nElectric Space Heater Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n1. Choose the Right Heater for Your Space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Purchase a Quality Heater with Safety Features<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Use the Space Heater Safely at Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Electric Fireplace Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n1. Buy the Right Electric Fireplace for Your Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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2. Make Sure You Install Your Electric Fireplace Correctly<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Operate Your Electric Fireplace With Safety in Mind<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Be Careful When Performing Maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Gas Patio Heater Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n1. Choose an Appropriate Patio Heater for Your Space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Follow Manufacturer Instructions on Proper Use and Placement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Use a Patio Heater Only in a Well-ventilated Outdoor Space<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Store Your Heater in a Safe Place During Windy Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Wood Stove and Fireplace Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Correct Installation Is Critical<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Maintain Your Wood-Burning Appliances<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\n3. Create a Safe Environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n