Most every HVAC contractor likely has at least one customer who has been waiting to update their HVAC system. Perhaps they’ve waited a bit too long and are starting to supplement the system with alternative heating during the coldest days of the winter. Be sure to let these customers know that alternative sources of energy, such as heat lamps and space heaters, can be very dangerous.
A story posted by The Courier, an Ohio news source, said Ohioans are 1.2 times more likely to die during December, January and February, as fires peak during this time. For those using these sources of heat, the American Red Cross offered a few safety tips, including:
• All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves.
• Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
While these tips and the others included on The Courier’s website may seem like common sense, that may not be the case with every customer. Be sure to let them know of the dangers of these alternative sources of heat; it could end up saving a life.