10 Heating Safety Tips to Keep You Warm and Worry-Free

Picture this: It’s a cold winter afternoon and you’re enjoying the warmth of the little fireplace in your apartment’s living room. Your cat is purring on your lap and you’re holding a cup of hot tea.

During these cozy moments, especially when temperatures drop, it’s nice to be able to enjoy the moment while also keeping heating safety in mind.

Whether you’re heating your rental with a fireplace, a space heater or central heating, regular checks and simple prevention tricks will give you peace of mind until spring.

You might have heard that heating fire incidents are peaking in winter months in residential buildings. While this is a serious issue, it’s important to keep your cool and focus on what you can do in advance to make sure that your heating system is working smoothly.

Here are ten heating safety tips to try out in your apartment.

1. Inspect your heaters regularly

Ask your landlord to send a technician to check the heating system in your apartment. It’s best to do this during the fall, so that you are prepared for the temperature drop. If you notice any significant fluctuations in temperature or unusual noise coming from the heater, ask for a check right away.

2. Keep fire hazards away

Keep furniture, curtains, blankets, and other flammable materials at least three feet away from heating equipment. Consider rearranging your furniture layout to create a safe heating zone in your home. As for rugs or mats? Keep a reasonable distance from the heat source as well.

3. Use space heaters safely

You might wonder, “Are space heaters safe?” The answer is yes — if used correctly. Always place space heaters on a flat and non-flammable surface.

Remember to switch them off when you leave home or go to sleep. For extra heating safety, look for models with automatic shut-off features and tip-over protection.

4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Make it a habit to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. These devices are your first line of defense in identifying potential heating-related hazards. Are you a smart device enthusiast? Upgrade to a smart detector for next level heating safety.

5. Use the oven for cooking only

You might be tempted to use your oven for extra warmth, but this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and pose a serious fire risk. If you’re looking to warm up, consider investing in a quality space heater or an electric blanket.

6. Go easy on the circuits

Plugging multiple heating devices into a single outlet can overload your circuits and increase the risk of an electrical fire. You don’t have to be tech-savvy to find a solution. Simply try to plug your devices into different outlets to spread the electrical load.

7. Read the instruction manual

It might sound obvious, but sometimes you can reduce the risk of accidents by reading the manufacturer’s instructions when using heating appliances. Get a copy online if you can’t find the printed version.

8. Let the stuffy air out

Just crack a window to let the fresh air in and keep things safe. This way you make sure that the room is properly ventilated and leave no space for harmful stuff like carbon monoxide buildup or mold growing in hidden places.

9. Turn off heaters before bed

Before going to sleep or leaving your apartment, turn off your portable heating devices. Setting a reminder on your phone can do wonders. You can also use a smart plug with a timer feature to ensure they are switched off automatically.

10. Change the filters

Dirty filters can cause your heating system to work harder, increasing the risk of overheating. Talk to your property manager about changing or cleaning filters regularly to avoid bigger issues.

Reducing your heating reliance can improve safety and lower energy bills at the same time. Following these heating safety tips is a good strategy for both you and the planet. Layer up with cozy sweaters, blankets, and warm socks to stay comfortable without cranking up the heat — just keep them far away from your heating sources, of course.