We’re Always Looking Out for Your Safety!
When it comes to your home heating system, comfort and safety are one in the same. After all, if your equipment isn’t safe to use, how can you be comfortable using it? That being said, we’d like to go over some safety information for you and your family to keep in mind so you can continue using your heating system with assured safety.
Let’s start with your fuel!
Whether you’re using propane or heating oil in your home, you’re in good hands! Heating oil is non-explosive in its liquid form while it’s stored on your property. Meanwhile, propane and propane equipment is heavily regulated to maintain its long streak of safety as a residential fuel - this includes the addition of the skunk-like odor in propane to indicate a leak long before it reaches dangerous levels!
Remember, if you detect a propane leak in your home, follow these tips:
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Extinguish all smoking materials and any other open flames or sources of ignition. Everyone should vacate the area.
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Move away without using any electrical switches, appliances, thermostats or telephones
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Close the gas shutoff valve on the propane tank, if safe to do so
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Call Parker Oil Company and/or your local fire department from a mobile phone or a neighbor’s telephone after you have left the area
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Do not re-enter the area until a qualified Parker Oil technician or first responder says it is clear
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Be sure to have a Parker Oil Company technician come and inspect your equipment, to ensure another leak won’t occur when the propane is turned back on
What do you know about CO?
CO, or carbon monoxide, is a harmful gas produced by combustion-based equipment. It’s odorless, unlike propane, and can cause serious health issues if a home isn’t properly equipped to detect it. That’s why it’s essential that you put CO detectors on each level of your home and outside of each bedroom, and be sure to test them regularly and replace the batteries as needed.
Your heating equipment and your safety…
There are a few things you can do around the home to further ensure your heating equipment operates efficiently and safely, such as…
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Keep any flammable objects, such as boxes and old newspapers, away from the heating equipment.
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Remember to schedule regular maintenance on your heating equipment to avoid breakdowns
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Make sure all points of ventilation are clear of debris. Pests and insects tend to build nests in these areas, blocking the exhaust from the equipment and forcing it back into the home
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Change your furnace’s air filters regularly to keep dust from being circulated into the home when the system turns on, as well as allowing proper airflow through the system.
There are many ways you can help keep your home safe when using propane or heating oil, the most important of which is to keep our number on hand at all times! Our experts are always here to help with all of your heating and cooling system maintenance needs. In fact, now is a good time to consider scheduling your heating and cooling system tune-ups!
Give us a call today or contact us online to learn more about our services.
