Heating Safety Tips For Winter

Here at McNutt Service Group we understand the importance of keeping our customers’ heating systems up to date and working efficiently during North Carolina & Tennessee's cold winters. Along with that comes the responsibility of keeping you, our valued customers, informed about the safest ways to keep your family warm this winter. There are many dangers that come along with the use of certain heating appliances in the winter time. Don’t worry though! We’re here to give you a few heating safety tips on how to avoid heating related accidents.





1. Furnace heating – It is best to have a furnace inspection done by a professional, each season, to ensure everything is in good working order. 

A professional heating inspector can spot problem areas that you may otherwise overlook. If you do happen to notice something is wrong with your furnace DO NOT attempt to do the repairs yourself. Leave these types of furnace repairs to a local heating repair professional, like McNutt Service Group. These types of repairs can be dangerous and the professionals at McNutt Service Group are specifically trained to complete all manner of furnace repair jobs.


2. Fireplace heating – According to the United States Fire Administration, 36% of house fires each year are caused by heating; most of which are due to buildup in chimneys and fireplaces. To avoid this, simply have a fireplace inspection and chimney inspection each season before you begin to use them. Once you’ve been given the “all clear” to enjoy your fireplace, make sure to keep anything flammable at least 36” away from the fireplace. This includes wood or kindling, furniture, toys or any type of cleaning supplies. Do not leave the fire unattended, and when you go to bed at night make sure the fire is COMPLETELY extinguished, leaving no burning embers.


3. Space heaters – With the increasing cost of gas and oil more families are opting to use space heaters in their home to save money, as well as for convenience. It is important to know, though, that space heaters do carry a higher chance of causing household fires than most other heating systems. When purchasing a space heater, check the box or tag to make sure the unit has passed a safety inspection. This will normally be indicated by a, “UL approved” or “Approved by Underwriting Laboratories”, label. 

When using your new space heater make sure to plug it directly into the wall and never use an extension cord for power. The use of an extension cord can cause the unit to overheat and subsequently cause a fire. And, just like your fireplaces, always keep anything flammable at least 36” from your space heater.


4. Carbon Monoxide – With the increased usage of different heating systems, there is a greater risk for harmful gas buildup within the home. Make sure to have a Carbon Monoxide Detector installed in your house. This will help to ensure that there are no toxic or harmful fumes building up within your home, which could possibly be caused by your heating system, or other sources. Check your carbon monoxide detector regularly to ensure that it is working properly. Then, in the event of any harmful gas buildup in your home, the alarm will sound, alerting you to the problem.

If you haven’t had your annual heating inspection yet, call us at 828-693-0933 to book an appointment. Or visit our website, www.McnuttServiceGroup.com, for more information on heating repair.