For most folks, the holiday season is the busiest time of year. While cooking, gift and grocery shopping, and decorating your home for festivities, it can be easy to forget to put safety first. That’s why we’ve put together this list of holiday safety tips that you can use to prevent hazards to your home and family members.
Outdoor Decorations
Nothing makes a home as inviting as the glow of outdoor holiday lights. Just make sure when hanging your lights that you keep the electrical connectors away from your metal gutters or downspouts. Also, opt for plastic clips or insulated tape instead of tacks or nails to prevent sparks and electrocution.
Fireplaces
Get your fireplaces inspected, serviced, and cleaned. When it comes to gas fireplaces, it’s crucial to have a professional technician inspect for gas or carbon monoxide leaks or any problems with ventilation. Wood-burning fireplaces can create a dangerous byproduct called creosote that then lines the inside of your chimney. Significant creosote buildup can reduce your chimney’s airflow and cause several health issues for those in your household.
Furnaces
Regular maintenance is a critical part of keeping your furnace functioning safely and efficiently. Gas furnaces, in particular (as opposed to electric furnaces), should be inspected by an HVAC professional once a year to check for any combustion issues or carbon monoxide leaks.
Anti-Theft Measures
Theft and break-ins increase during the holiday season, so it’s important to take steps to prevent your home from becoming a target. Leave overhead lights on while you’re away to give the appearance that someone is home. You can also install a timer for your lights that will cause them to turn on in different rooms at different times to better simulate someone being there. Also, don’t forget to set your burglar alarm before you leave your home and once everyone is inside for the evening.
Contact Dial One Sonshine at (714) 613-1016 to schedule your Orange County furnace repair or maintenance service appointment.