October marks National Fire Prevention Month, which was initially established to honor the memory of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. What initially spanned just a week has now evolved to encompass the entire month. Why is that? Astonishingly, a staggering 358,500 house fires occur annually, with the unsettling truth that most of these tragedies can be averted through simple preventative tips and diligent maintenance. Join us, your Five Star Heating & Cooling Group family, as we kindle the flames of safety awareness, striving to protect you from the very real threat of house fires. 

Identifying Common HVAC Fire Hazards: 

First and foremost, it is paramount to recognize that HVAC systems, in themselves, are not inherently perilous. However, as with all things, lapses in proper practices and instances of negligence can lead to hazardous situations. For this reason, we think it is best to familiarize yourself with the most common HVAC-related fire hazards: 

• Electrical Problems: One of the most frequent culprits behind HVAC-related fires is electrical problems. Often, when individuals purchase homes, the complete history of an HVAC unit is not always available. Then, over time, wiring and circuits can deteriorate or become outdated, leading to electrical complications. This is why regular maintenance is indispensable for averting potentially hazardous situations. 
• Clutter Problems: Some HVAC units are situated in garages or basements, which are areas frequently utilized for storage. However, regardless of the unit’s location, a clutter-free vicinity is crucial. You should leave enough space to ensure airflow can circulate properly. Additionally, be sure to keep flammable items away from the general area. Items such as boxes, paint cans, chemicals, cleaning solutions, or miscellaneous items should not be placed nearby. 
• Poor Installation Problems: Inadequate installation is another common culprit for HVAC-related fires. The installation process of a unit entails numerous intricate details. So, poorly installed units can evade detection for extended periods without routine servicing. This is why collaborating with a licensed HVAC company for all your HVAC needs and scheduling regular maintenance checks is essential.  

Fire Prevention Recommendations from Your Five Star Heating & Cooling Group Professionals: 

• Formulate a comprehensive escape plan involving all family members, including children. Then designate a well-established outdoor meeting point away from the house to convene in the event of a fire. Go over the plan with your household and make sure everyone understands it and knows it well. 
• Prioritize safety by installing Carbon Monoxide & Explosive Gas Detectors in your home. These detectors are capable of detecting carbon monoxide, methane, and propane leaks. 
• Ensure smoke detectors are strategically positioned on every level of your home, including the basement. Additionally, if possible, you should situate smoke detectors outside sleeping areas, such as hallways.  
• Check your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors monthly. Battery replacement should be done yearly.  
• Bear in mind that smoke alarms have a finite lifespan, approximately ten years. You can verify the manufacturing date on the back of your smoke alarms and replace yours accordingly. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher on each level of your home, ideally in easily accessible common areas. 
• Experts advocate keeping bedroom doors closed at night. This strategy has been known to save lives as it effectively slows the rate at which house fires spread.  

At Five Star Heating & Cooling Group, your family’s safety reigns supreme. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard your loved ones. Consistent annual maintenance is the cornerstone for ensuring that your HVAC system adheres to current standards and operates at its best. Reach out to us to find out about our Whole Home Protection Plan, designed to make it simple for you to keep your home and HVAC system in peak condition. Rest assured, we stand alongside you with the goal of helping you to safeguard your home. 

Call Five Star Heating & Cooling Group today at (614) 490-7550, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!