Alternative Heating Sources

It doesn’t seem dangerous but it may be....

High cost fuels and utilities have caused many of us to search for alternative sources of home heating. However, alternative heat sources are a major contributing factor in home fires. Use these tips to help you
Stay Warm and Stay Safe.

Wood & Pellet Stoves

Choose a UL listed stove and have it professionally installed. If in doubt about clearance, keep 36” from combustible materials. Never use a stove in an unlined chimney, inspect it annually and the stove needs to have its own dedicated flue.

Fireplaces

Using a lot of paper to build a roaring fire seems nice, but it could ignite creosote in the chimney. Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the opening.

Don’t burn charcoal indoors – it can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. Never close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. It will help the fire heat up again and force toxic carbon monoxide into the house ! Avoid breaking a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or using more than one at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

Kerosene Space Heaters

Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup and be sure you know where the emergency shut off is in case it tips over. Use only the appropriate fuel in your heater and don’t fill the heater while it is operating or hot.

Electric Space Heaters

Never use an extension cord! The cord can overheat and start a fire.