As the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to get cozy and warm up your home for the winter months ahead. Whether you’re cranking up the furnace, lighting a fire in the fireplace, or using space heaters for extra warmth, it’s important to stay mindful of home heating safety. A warm home is great—but safety always comes first.

To help you stay safe while staying warm, here are some essential home heating safety tips to keep in mind as winter approaches.

1. Schedule a Furnace Checkup

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm during the coldest months, so it’s important to make sure it’s running safely and efficiently.

  • Annual Inspection: Have your furnace inspected by a professional each year before the heavy use begins. This ensures it’s in good working condition and helps catch any potential problems before they become major (and expensive) repairs.
  • Change Your Filters: Replace or clean your furnace filters regularly to keep it running efficiently. Dirty filters can cause your system to overheat and lead to higher energy bills.
  • Check Your Vents: Make sure your air vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Proper airflow is important for both heating efficiency and safety.

2. Be Cautious with Space Heaters

Space heaters can be a great way to warm up a chilly room, but they come with some fire hazards if not used properly. If you’re using a space heater this winter, follow these safety tips:

  • Keep Space: Always keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, blankets, furniture, and paper.
  • Turn Them Off: Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you’re sleeping. It’s best to turn them off when you leave the room.
  • Use the Right Outlets: Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as these can overheat and cause fires.
  • Automatic Shut-Off: Choose a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature that turns it off if it tips over.

3. Fireplace Safety

There’s nothing quite like a crackling fire in the fireplace during a cold winter night. But if you have a fireplace, it’s important to use it safely.

  • Inspect and Clean: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned once a year by a professional to prevent creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.
  • Use a Screen: Always use a fireplace screen to catch sparks and prevent embers from flying into your living room.
  • Burn Properly: Only burn dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace. Avoid burning treated wood, paper, or other materials that can create dangerous fumes or excessive creosote.
  • Never Leave a Fire Unattended: Make sure your fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.

4. Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are a Must

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly if it builds up in your home. Heating systems, especially gas furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters, are common sources of carbon monoxide. Installing carbon monoxide detectors is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family.

  • Install Detectors: Place carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and on each level of your home.
  • Test Regularly: Test your carbon monoxide detectors monthly to make sure they’re working properly and replace the batteries twice a year.
  • Know the Signs: Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and confusion. If your alarm goes off or you experience symptoms, leave your home immediately and call for help.

5. Use Caution with Portable Generators

If you lose power during a winter storm, a portable generator can be a lifesaver—but it can also pose serious risks if not used correctly.

  • Use Outdoors: Always operate generators outdoors and away from windows, doors, and vents. Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage.
  • Ventilation: Proper ventilation is key to preventing carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Turn It Off Safely: Before refueling your generator, turn it off and let it cool down to avoid a fire hazard.

6. Inspect Your Home for Fire Hazards

Winter heating can increase the risk of house fires, so it’s a good time to inspect your home and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.

  • Test Smoke Detectors: Make sure your smoke detectors are working and have fresh batteries. It’s a good idea to test them monthly.
  • Have an Escape Plan: Create a family fire escape plan and practice it so everyone knows how to get out safely in case of an emergency.
  • Check Electrical Cords: Inspect the cords on your heating devices and space heaters. If they’re frayed or damaged, replace them immediately.

7. Be Mindful of Your Home Insurance

With the increased use of heating systems and fire hazards during the winter, it’s a good idea to review your home insurance policy. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect your home in case of fire, damage from heating devices, or other winter-related incidents.

  • Liability Coverage: If someone is injured in your home due to a fire or heating mishap, make sure you have adequate liability coverage.
  • Property Damage: Double-check that your policy covers damage from heating-related fires or smoke.

Stay Warm and Safe All Winter Long

Following these heating safety tips can help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind knowing your home is protected. If you have any questions about your home insurance policy or want to make sure you’re covered for the winter season, we’re here to help.