Rockford Chimney Supply
1-866-708-2446
http://www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/
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Cold weather has finally descended on us, and fire departments are gearing up for what some in the fire service say could be a busy season. The heating season inevitably leads to problems — from chimney fires to malfunctioning furnaces that cause carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Rockford Chimney Supply President Brad White, said because it’s been so mild so far this winter, the fire season has yet to begin. But when it does, he said, many are expecting a jump in the number of calls for chimney and fireplace products, partly because of the downturn in the economy.
“Sometimes it’s a decision whether to eat or clean the chimney or maintenance the furnace,” White said. “Fire calls are way down from last year. We expect a difficult year when the cold weather does come in. Every winter we expect there will be heating system malfunctions. This season we expect more.”
In the two months after Thanksgiving last year, the U.S. Fire Administration reported one of the deadliest seasons in recent memory, with more than 150 residential fires nationwide that resulted in more than 200 deaths.Home heating equipment is among the top causes of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings.From 2003 through 2005, there was an annual average of 57,300 fires and 270 fire deaths associated with portable heaters, central heating systems and fireplaces and chimneys. There alsoare 68 deaths, on average, from carbon monoxide poisoning each year associated with home heating sources, the U.S. Fire Administration
reports.
Chimney fires, the burning of creosote clinging to the sides of a chimney’s liner, sometimes lead to house fires. Brad White, owner of Rockford Chimney Supply, recommends oversized caps for the top of the chimney to prevent water and animals from getting in the flue. A cap also works as a spark arrester. He said annual inspections can turn up everything from squirrels and birds to evidence of an unseen chimney fire. Because of their intense heat, White said chimney fires lead to cracked tile liners and other problems.“The tiles can’t withstand the sudden heat,” White said. “It can get up to 2,000 degrees.” In a fast-burning chimney fire, White said people have compared the sound to a freight train, jet engine or Mack truck.
White said "the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is greater during the winter." Furnace malfunctions can lead to an increase in carbon monoxide in the home. Hundreds die and thousands of others suffer dizziness and nausea from the odorless gas that can be emitted from furnaces, gas kitchen ranges and kerosene space heaters if they are not properly ventilated. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, mental confusion and extreme tiredness. Whether it’s a wood stove, furnace or space heater, Rockford Chimney Supply recommends inspecting your systems and chimney's annually to alleviate any safety concerns. “Make sure the smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) detectors are up to snuff. It’s dollars versus life safety,” he said. “Most of the time oil companies have service departments that can at least take a look at the furnace.”
“White also recommends if your burning wood, you should especially be diligent an annual inspection,”. The amount of creosote buildup depends on how often a household burns and what type of wood is used. “Wet wood with higher moisture content leads to lower burning temperatures and more creosote. You want to burn good seasoned hardwood — oak, maple, ash. Stay away from things like pine and hemlock,” White said. After many years in the business, White said he finds people scrimp more on the structural issues — the bricks and mortar of a chimney. While it is important to have the liner looked at and cleaned, cracks in the brick or gaps in the mortar can lead to house fires.
Winter fire prevention Inspect each year of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents. Take precautions when using space heaters, fireplaces or other heating sources to help stay warm this winter.Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in the home and check that the batteries are fresh and working.
Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as a ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep the heater at least 3 feet from bedding, drapes, furniture and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.To prevent the risk of fire, never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the heater off if you leave the area. Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of a fire.
Use a space heater that has been tested to the latest safety standards and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features; older space heaters may not meet the newer safety standards. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
Inspect flues and chimneys for leaks and blockage by creosote or debris.Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent buildup of poisonous gases inside the home.Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container and cover it with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. You need to consider a chimney liner stainless steel if your chimney is oversized.
Never use electric or gas stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Learn More about Rockford Chimney Supply
http://rockfordchimneysupply.com/ or
call them at 1-866-708-2446
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