Home safety is more important than ever these days, as residences are filled with equipment that, if not properly cared for and controlled, can be dangerous to you and your family members. There are three main categories of hazards that we need to be on the lookout for:

• Electrical hazards. Overloading outlets is a prime cause of electrical accidents in the home, as are exposed wiring and outlets. If any of your appliances are shorting out, overheating, sparking or smoking, get them replaced or repaired immediately.
• Chemical hazards. Nearly every home contains some form of chemical hazard, and the key to safety is to store chemicals away from children, heat sources and open flames. Use storage containers that carry a label indicating that they have been tested by a laboratory such as Underwriter’s Laboratories or Factory Mutual, and make sure that the receptacles are securely closed. Liquids such as benzene or gasoline should never be used for indoor cleaning or to start a fire. If you have a separate storage building or detached garage, store these materials there.
• Fire hazards. Chimneys should be cleaned and checked for blockages. In addition, curtains, clothes, paper and other combustible materials must be kept away from electrical equipment, heaters and candles. To make doubly sure that accidents don’t happen, install one or more smoke alarms in your home. Clear old rags and broken furniture out of your garage, and keep your garden free of tree trimmings and grass cuttings. These are all combustible items that can be a problem.

The most important thing about home safety is to keep checking regularly. For example, if you have installed smoke or carbon dioxide alarms, they need to be tested and their batteries checked. Consider having a service plan in place with your local HVAC contractor for your heating and cooling appliances. Then you’ll know that these potentially hazardous systems will be seen to by an expert.

If you live in the Peachtree City area, please contact us at Powers Heating & Air. We’ll be happy to advise you on how to keep your HVAC appliances up to date and safe.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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