SAFETY CORNER
 | Fall is upon us, and with the changing of the leaves comes the changing of the temperature outside. As these temperatures start to drop people switch from A/C to heat. If you and your family are looking to start using your furnace or wood burning stove there are a few safety tips to keep in mind. FURNACES: It is good practice to change out your furnace filter about three or four times a year. This will not only help increase your furnace's efficiency, but also help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion which will happen if your filters are too dirty. The next tip to keep in mind is that you should keep an 18 inch are around your furnace clear of any combustive materials like cardboard boxes, paper, cloth, or wicker baskets just to name a few. Keeping this area clear will help prevent a combustible product from getting to hot and reaching what is called its flash point. If an object reaches its flash point it will catch on fire. For more information on furnace safety you can visit: |
WOOD BURNING STOVES: Wood burning stoves are an efficient source of supplimental heat for your home, but are not without their safety risks. As with a furnace you should keep a clean area immediately surrounding your wood burning stove. However, it is recommended that you have at least a 36 inch clearance all around the stove as compared to the 18 inches for a furnace. If you are installing a wood stove by yourself read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and DO NOT take short cuts. Lastly, wood burning stoves are just that, wood burning stoves. Do not try to burn other products as they can burn at a higher temperature than what the stove is designed for. |  |
