C & C Heating & Air Conditioning’s fire prevention advice

C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, a Detroit- area heating and cooling company with more than seven decades of experience have shared its safety advice in response to National Fire Prevention Week.

According to C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, homeowners should pay special attention to how their heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems can influence fire risk and what steps they can take to reduce it.

General Manager, C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, Dayne Hottle’s statement

C & C Heating & Air Conditioning General Manager Dayna Hottle explained: “Many people think fire prevention is about safety equipment and keeping matches from children, and while those things are important, there’s more to it.

“Your HVAC system plays a hidden role in fire safety. With proper care and vigilance, you can reduce the chance of fire hazards in your home.”

The NFPA and Fire Prevention Week

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored Fire Prevention Week since 1922, making it the nation’s longest-running public health and safety campaign.

The observance, which takes place 5-11 October this year, highlights steps families can take to reduce risks at home. According to the NFPA, US fire departments respond to an average of 328,590 home structure fires each year.

HVAC advice for reducing fire risk

Hottle offered the following HVAC-related tips that can reduce fire risks:

• Schedule professional maintenance before heating season. A qualified technician should inspect and service the furnace and ductwork every year. This should include an inspection of the system’s electrical components and wiring
• Replace filters regularly. Dirty or clogged filters force the system to overwork, creating excess heat. Filters should be replaced or cleaned every one to three months
• Keep flammable materials away from equipment. Items like paint cans, cardboard boxes, cleaning solvents and aerosol sprays should never be stored near the furnace, air handler or vents
• Inspect and maintain ducts. Debris in ductwork can become a fire pathway. Ducts should be cleaned when buildup is visible and sealed if damaged. Dryer vent ducts should also be kept clear and properly vented outside
• Use carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Interconnected smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas, while carbon monoxide detectors should be near HVAC equipment and bedrooms. Alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be checked at least twice a year
• Upgrade aging systems. Equipment older than 15 to 20 years often lacks modern safety features. Replacing outdated units with newer systems provides added protections, diagnostics and shutdown features

Hottle concluded: “Preventive maintenance isn’t just about keeping your system running efficiently, it’s also about safety.

“Dust buildup, worn wiring and neglected filters can all turn a routine HVAC issue into a serious fire hazard.

“Scheduling regular inspections and cleanings is one of the simplest, most effective ways homeowners can protect their families and their property.”

C & C Heating & Air Conditioning share fire prevention advice: Summary

C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, a Detroit- area heating and cooling company with more than seven decades of experience have shared its safety advice in response to National Fire Prevention Week.