Exercise Care with Home-Heating Equipment

When temperatures drop, many people turn to alternative heating sources to reduce utility bills, warm a cold corner, or create a cozy atmosphere. Although these heating sources can be effective and cost-efficient, it’s important to exercise care. In 2009, heating equipment caused nearly 60,000 home fires, resulting in 480 deaths and $1.1 billion in property damage.¹

Home fire safety is important throughout the year, but the winter months demand special vigilance. About half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February.² Here are some basic safety precautions that apply to all heating sources, including stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, and traditional gas and electric furnaces.

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them at least once a month, and change the batteries twice a year. One convenient method is to change the batteries when you change your clocks between standard time and daylight saving time.
Keep all combustible material at least three feet away from heating equipment. Also keep children out of the three-foot zone and supervise them closely around open fires.
Use only items and fuel intended for indoor heating. Never use a kitchen oven or propane grill to provide indoor heat. Only use the type of fuel recommended for your equipment. Never start an indoor fire with lighter fluid, kerosene, gasoline, or other flammable liquids.
Follow all manufacturer guidelines for installation, use, and maintenance. Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Have more complex equipment, such as wood- and pellet-burning stoves, professionally installed. Keep all heating units clean.

As you can see from the list above, most home-heating safety precautions are common sense, but each kind of heater has its own dangers. Here are some tips, which are not all-inclusive, for specific types of alternative heaters.

Wood-Burning or Pellet-Burning Stoves

Make sure the vent is properly installed and free of obstructions.
Inspect stoves for cracks or broken parts; exercise special care when purchasing second-hand stoves.
Use noncombustible floor covering under the stove and extending at least 18 inches around it.
Burn only dry, seasoned wood or wood pellets. Start the fire with newspaper, kindling, or fire starter.
Keep the doors of the stove closed when not loading or stoking the fire.

Space Heaters

Newer models should have an automatic shut-off feature and heat element guards. If you use an older model, be sure all parts are clean and working properly and that the cord is not frayed.
Avoid using extension cords, if possible. If you must, use 14-gauge or larger wire and — if the heater has a grounding plug — a grounding (three-wire) cord. Do not run the heater’s cord or extension cord under rugs or carpeting.
In liquid-fueled heaters, use only manufacturer-recommended fuel. Allow heater to cool before refueling.

Fireplaces

Have the fireplace inspected annually by a registered chimney sweep. Keep the chimney clean and free of obstructions; creosote buildup in the chimney is a leading cause of home heating fires.³ Install a removable cap at the top of the chimney to keep out debris and animals.
Use a heavy screen or mesh spark arrester on the front of the fireplace. Keep glass doors open while the fire is burning.
Never leave a fire unattended — extinguish completely before leaving your home or going to sleep. Make sure the fire is completely out before closing the damper.
Allow ashes to cool fully before disposal. Use a tightly covered metal container, douse and saturate with water, and keep the container 10 feet away from home or nearby buildings.

Fires caused by alternative heating sources are typically covered by most standard homeowners policies, up to the policy limits. Even so, it’s important to read your policy carefully and carry sufficient coverage to replace your home and all its contents.

1–3) National Fire Protection Association, 2011

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.