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October is Fire Prevention Month. Did you know that your HVAC unit can pose a fire hazard? As a homeowner, you should know your system’s fire safety regulations. Preparing for accidents can help you and your loved ones stay safe.
Here are some tips on preventing fire emergencies related to your HVAC system.
Regular Maintenance
Scheduling a regular maintenance check-up is essential for maintaining your system. It plays a massive role in identifying underlying conditions that might lead to future problems. By scheduling your check-up beforehand, your technician can ensure everything is running smoothly and identify any faulty wires or bad electrical connections that may lead to fires.
Check For Fuel Leaks
Your technician can easily detect a fuel leak during maintenance. Fuel leaks are hazardous and are highly flammable, especially during hot weather. A fuel leak could come in contact with your HVAC’s hot components, triggering a fire in your home.
In addition to fuel leaks affecting your home, they can also affect your health. A fuel leak can cause dizziness, nausea, and blisters. If you have a pet, the symptoms might also show on them.
Natural gas is distinctive when it comes to its scent. For safety purposes, companies use an additive called mercaptan that gives the odorless gases a smell to alert you of it. Most people describe the smell as that rotten eggs, sewage, or sulfur.
Keep Your Ducts Clean
Clean air ducts are critical to a well-functioning unit. With time, dirt builds up in your HVAC vents and coils, obstructing airflow and straining your system. Your unit may get overheated due to the dirt buildup, which poses a fire hazard. Regularly replacing worn-out filters can prevent further damage and clean your air ducts.
Don’t Overcrowd Your HVAC Unit
The space immediately surrounding your HVAC unit should always be clutter-free. Placing boxes, cleaning supplies, or other materials near your HVAC system should be avoided. These objects can obstruct airflow and place unnecessary strain on your system. Some things near your system can quickly catch fire, especially if they have chemicals that react highly with heat, leading to a fire explosion.
In Case of a Fire Emergency
Accidents can happen. In case a fire emergency occurs, follow these steps to make it out safely:
Have a fire emergency plan.
In case of no visible exit route, stay low by crawling on your hands and knees to minimize smoke inhalation.
If you have any fabric near you, soak it up in water and cover your nose or wrap it around your body while trying to move out of the house.
In case your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll.
Call 911. Get professional help and assistance to prevent further damage.
Your HVAC Maintenance Team
In addition to these fire prevention tips, you should always guarantee your HVAC system is installed correctly and maintained. Our team at West Coast Air Conditioning is here to assist you. Contact us today at (805) 954-9195 for all your HVAC needs!