During the coldest months, keeping warm is top of mind for everyone. There are several ways to keep your home warm, and since this involves heat sources and corresponding fire risks, practicing fire safety is extremely important.
Some general fire safety tips are: to make sure to keep all flammable materials – including rugs, bedding, curtains, and paper – at least 3 feet away from heating sources, don’t leave pets or children or pets alone with these sources, and regularly clean and maintain them.
How Can I Heat My Nashville Home Safely?
Here are some more specific safety tips for the most popular heating methods homeowners use:
- Fireplaces can heat a room effectively, and gas fireplaces can also be cost-efficient. For safety, keep everyone away from your fireplace when in use, never leave it unattended, and place a firescreen before it to prevent embers from escaping. When the fire has gone out, remove the ashes and put them outside in a metal container at least 3 feet away from your home.
- Wood stoves can keep everyone warm if they are located where your family spends most of their time, and their heat can be equally distributed throughout the house. You should have a professional come clean and inspect the chimney before the season starts, to maximize its efficiency and ensure it is safe to use. Two important safety tips: Ensure you always extinguish the fire in the stove before going to bed or leaving your home, and never use flammable liquids to start a fire!
- Space and kerosene heaters are another option for heating your home, but they should be your last choice. They are often considered dangerous because they get extremely hot when in use. They should only be used on flat, hard surfaces and must be clear of flammable materials. A space heater that turns off automatically is a great item to have! Space or kerosene heaters should also be plugged in directly to your outlet to avoid overloading, and they should never be left unattended.
What Are Some Ways I Can Make My Home More Energy Efficient And Fire Safe?
No matter which heating method you choose, you want it to be as safe and efficient as possible. Here are some ways you can make your home more fire safe and more energy efficient:
- Adding insulation to your home can reduce heating and air conditioning expenses, while insulation in every wall will slow heat transfer.
- Change your HVAC air filter every three months, and if you have pets or allergies you may need to do this more often.
- Have your furnace and air conditioner professionally inspected before turning them on for the season to ensure the motors are in good shape.
- Passive solar home design takes advantage of climate and site conditions to provide heating for your Nashville home in the winter and cooling in the summer.
- To maximize fire resistance, install double- or triple-pane insulated tempered glass windows and doors with aluminum or steel-clad frames.
- Install an interior fire-suppression sprinkler system where required and practical.
Our team here at Ascension General Contractors cares about your safety and the safety of your loved ones and your property. Ascension General Contractors can help you with necessary repairs and upgrades. We are a full-service repair company!
We’re an excellent choice for your construction projects and repairs because we have an exceptional staff. The AGC team members are:
- Experienced
- Dependable
- Licensed
- Insured
- Fully bonded
We are specialists in renovations and repairs, providing clear communication from start to finish. Learn more about our projects here. Contact us online or by phone at (615) 802 9025 to discuss your Nashville home’s fire safety and energy efficiency.