Following are some simple safety tips, from our Best Practices group Nexstar, to keep us ahead of the game as we transition into the winter months ahead.
The electrical devices we use provide us both comfort and convenience. If not used properly they can create increased energy costs, or create dangerous situations.
Here are a few tips that will benefit you and your home and provide safety
Electrical Safety Tips To Keep In Mind
Electric Blankets — Electric blankets provide comfort and warmth on a cold winter’s night, but can also be dangerous if not used properly. Always read the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer. Never tuck them in and always turn them off when not in use to avoid a hazard.
Find Cold Air Leaks — Sealing off the drafty air leaks will cut down on energy costs and keep your home heated. Seal any gaps around utility cut-throughs where pipes are present and spaces that may be unfinished such as closets or cupboards. Add caulk to avoid window air leaks and weather stripping to leaky doors.
Space Heaters — If you are using a space heater to warm a single room such as an office or sewing room, keep the heater away from any likely combustible materials such as furniture, drapes or bedspreads. Never use an extension cord or run the heater cord under a carpet or furniture; space heaters draw a lot of current and can cause the cord to overheat and create a fire hazard. Lastly, turn off your space heater when you are not home, sleeping or leave a room. Space heaters are among the highest causes of home fires. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Temperature adjustment — An easy way to provide comfort and save you money is to lower your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees when you are out of your home or sleeping. When you are home, set your thermostat to the lowest temperature that still provides comfort. To make this task a little easier, a programmable thermostat is a good investment. Call CENTRAL today!
Appliance Safety — Appliances such as heat lamps, hair dryers and heat guns are created for specific purposes. It can be potentially dangerous to use them in other ways such as drying fabrics or thawing frozen pipes. Always follow safety information that comes with the product. Never use ovens and cooktops as a heat source. Improper use can damage them or create a fire hazard.
Heating System Checkup — A heating system annual checkup will avoid potential breakdown on a cold winter day and help ensure your system is running efficiently. You may want to consider CENTRAL’S Comfort Care Program to provide you peace of mind.
As you become a Comfort Care Program member you enjoy priority status with Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. The benefits of membership give you peace of mind in knowing that the heating and cooling equipment in your home is maintained and inspected two times a year to ensure that it is running at peak efficiency and safety. For more information give CENTRAL a call or go to: http://www.centralmt.com/about/comfort-care-program.
Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls or anywhere else in the Flathead Valley. . .As always, your Comfort is our Central concern, call 756-6656, for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.
