Home Heating

During cooler weather, we depend on our home heating systems to keep us warm and cozy.  Follow these tips to prevent fire and other hazards while heating your home!

Furnaces

• Install only CSA/ULC approved appliances in your home

• Make sure equipment is installed by a professional

• Always make sure that vent pipes outside are clear of snow or debris

• Keep combustibles at least 3 feet from heating appliances

• A pilot light is an open flame, do not use flammable or combustible liquids near heating equipment as it may ignite fumes

Space Heaters

• Keep the area around space heaters clear.  There should be at least one metre of clear space in all directions

• Make sure that blankets, clothes or other combustible materials are not in a position to fall on or near a space heater

• Areas surrounding the heater should not become too hot to touch

• Don't dry clothes on or near a space heater to dry

• Use only the fuel for which the heater was designed

• Inspect cords on electrical heaters.  If cords are damaged, or become overly hot during operation this could become a fire hazard

When using any fuel fired appliance in your home, remember to install a carbon monoxide detector outside the sleeping areas!

For information on fireplaces and woodstoves please view our web page on Fireplaces and Chimneys.