When winter sets in, not all of us can afford efficient, sophisticated heating systems. People use various heating methods to heat their homes to their comfort levels. While we do everything to stay safe and prevent fires, things can go wrong anytime. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the primary contributing factor to heating fires at home is failure to clean, particularly creosote from heating units like chimneys. Here are top lifesaving tips to prevent home heating fires.

1. Inspect Your Furnace

Many chimneys are responsible for venting your furnace. Before the cold season starts, it's essential that you call your HVAC professionals to inspect your system and clean all the ducts to ensure an even heat distribution. You will need to change the furnace filter each month during winter and keep all flammables away from the area around the furnace.

2. Clean Your Chimney

Having your fireplace inspected and cleaned regularly is one of the best ways to prevent fires. You can invest in a chimney cleaner to ensure the remnants are cleaned up after each use, as they are usually flammable and can ignite unintentionally. If you regularly use your chimney, it's a good idea to clean creosote and soot every year. Hiring a chimney cleaner is easy, and they'll ensure the safety of your home.

3. Check Your Chimney for Structural Damage

Using a chimney means cleaning and maintaining it regularly. You should get a chimney professional to inspect for any structural damage that could cause air leaks. Leaks can change the flame in the fireplace and possibly ignite, which would start a fire outside the fireplace.

4. Keep Away Flammable Items

This seems intuitive, but accidents happen. Aerosol containers, household gases and oils, and other flammable items are easy to put down without thinking about it. Especially when you have kids in the house, it can be difficult to keep track of every flammable item in your house. Be sure to stay vigilant and talk with other members of your household so they're aware of which items are risks to fire safety.

Keep your family and home safe throughout winter by practicing the utmost caution when using heating equipment. Remember to speak to your children and other family members about fire safety to make it a collective responsibility to stay safe. Need more information about maintaining your chimney or getting a chimney cleaner? Contact the American Professional Chimney & Masonry team today, and we'll be happy to help.