Thu Sep 09 2010
By JARED ORZOLEK
As summer turns into fall, area home and apartment dwellers should make sure furnaces are tuned up, windows and doors are sealed and smoke detectors are working properly, area experts report.
These steps will not only keep people safe during the upcoming winter months, but will also help reduce expensive home heating costs.
"Last year, during the winter season, we had three fires in Napoleon that were related to heating units," said Scott Palmer, a firefighter/EMT with Napoleon Fire and Rescue.
Palmer said furnaces should be inspected annually.
"Have a technician come out and make sure that everything is working properly," Palmer said.
"Smoke detectors are important no matter what time of year. If something does happen, God forbid, you can get you and your family out and keep them safe."
Palmer also said area residents should be careful when using portable electric or kerosene heaters, explaining that these devices should not be used as the exclusive heat source for a residence.
"I recommend a three foot clearance around the heaters and fireplaces so radiant heat does not cause combustibles to catch fire," Palmer said.
"Make sure it is turned off before you leave the house."
There are a variety of area companies that can ensure your home's heating equipment is working properly and chimneys are free of potentially flammable material.
Michelle O'Dell, marketing specialist for Starks Inc. Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning of Defiance, said heating unit inspections are typically done each fall.
"This is also something recommended by the environmental protection agency. It helps maintain the efficiency of the equipment. You take preventative maintenance with your car. It's the same type of thing with your furnace," O'Dell said.
These furnace check-ups take one to two hours and include cleaning of the furnace, adjustments to the burners and safety checks.
"We recommend calling and getting something scheduled early in the season," O'Dell said.
"After you have your furnace checkup you should check your filter regularly. Dirty filters can cause the furnace to shut down."
Dan Brown of WR Pringle Co. of Malinta, a company which has provided chimney and duct-related services since 1949, said a visual inspection can be used to determine the health of a chimney passage.
"An actual physical inspection with a flashlight is a good thing to do. You look for expansion of creosote," Brown said, adding chimneys which appear to have dirty buildup should be cleaned.
A visual inspection with a flashlight and a mirror can also determine the amount of dirt built up in the ductwork of a home.
Brown said ductwork should be cleaned every 2-5 years depending on the house, explaining that his company utilizes vacuums, brushes, cameras and compressed air equipment to remove debris from ductwork.
Another important aspect of getting the home ready for the chilly temperatures that will soon follow is to make sure doors and windows are properly sealed, according to the Ohio Consumers' Counsel Office (OCC).
Weather stripping, caulking and sealing windows with an insulator kit can all help get the home ready for winter.
There are many options to prevent drafts entering through openings in the home, according to the OCC.
Weather stripping for doors can be as easy as lining the door with self-adhesive foam. In older houses, doors may be susceptible to warping and could need the door threshold and the door sweep replaced.
For windows, using silicone caulk to seal gaps around window molding and siding of the house makes them less prone to leaks. Window insulator kits also help keep drafts out and warm air in.
Homeowners can also seek help in winterizing their home the form of an energy audit performed by utility companies. Many utilities will meet with homeowners, examine their homes and provide tips for cost savings.
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