Know the Electrical Dangers Lurking in Your Home

Electricity is an essential part of modern life and important to the U.S. economy. People use electricity for lighting, heating, cooling, and refrigeration and for operating appliances, computers, electronics, machinery, and public transportation systems. But as awesome as electricity is, it also causes approximately 53,600 home fires every year.

That statistic comes from the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFi), sponsor of Electrical Safety Month and author of some great educational materials about the electrical hazards in your home. As an owner of a home built in 1947, their PDF, Know the Dangers in Your Older Home, caught my eye. Since the U.S. Census Bureau says that half of all homes in this country were built before 1973, others may be interested in this information as well.

Why is electrical safety important in older homes? Think of all of the things you plug in today that weren't around when your house was built: garage door openers, electric coffee makers, TVs, DVRs, and computers, to name a few.

Here's a short checklist from ESFi to help you identify potential problems in your home:

Lightbulbs

• Are they the right wattage for the fixtures? A bulb that has more wattage than recommended can overheat.

Cords and Extension Cords

• Check the cords for lamps and appliances. Are they out of walkways? Are they frayed, damaged, or cracked? Cords that are walked on or damaged can cause fires.

• Are extension cords only used temporarily? Permanent house wiring is much safer than an extension cord. Install outlets where they are needed.

Outlets and Switches

• Do all the outlets and switches in your housework? If they don't, there may be bad wiring.

• Are any unusually warm or make weird noises? That could be an indicator of faulty wiring.

• Are the cover plates in good condition? Replace any that aren't.

Kitchen and Bathroom

• Are all appliances plugged into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets? Do your GFCI outlets work properly? If you don't have properly functioning GFCI outlets, call a licensed electrician.

• Do you keep appliances plugged in when they don't need to be (like toasters, hairdryers, curling irons, etc.). Unplug them; they could be a fire hazard if they contact water.

• Have you ever received a shock (but not a static electricity shock) from your large appliances? Do not touch the appliance again until a repairman checks it.

Please don't become a statistic! Check your home for electrical safety today.

Information from the Electrical Safety Foundation International website at www.electrical-safety.org.

Getting Your Furnace Ready For The Winter

Let's admit it, summer is definitely the most cheery season of the year. That warm, sunny weather boosts our mood and allows us to go on adventures wrapped in the warmth of the sun. But hey, winter has its perks too! Think of all those holiday parties, tasty treats, and snow forts! Or maybe you prefer a warm, cozy night watching your favorite movie or reading your favorite book.

Wait… your furnace isn't working? Well, that's no good. If you live in a cold-weather state, it's important that your furnace is in great shape so it keeps your home warm all season long.

Here are seven tips to help keep your house toasty without burning through cash. Stay warm and save money with these seven tips for getting started:

1. Switch your thermostat from cooling to heating

2. Change or clean the filter

   A furnace filter should be checked on once a month during the colder season and quarterly while it's not in use. Replace the disposable filter or wash/brush/vacuum permanent filters during each checkup, and consider writing the date on the filter when you change it. Setting a calendar reminder on your phone for the following month will also help ensure that you make the swap on time.

3. Keep flammable objects away from the furnace

   You may be surprised to learn that heating systems are the second highest cause of home fires, just after cooking! Everyday objects like rags, mops, paper and paint cans are extremely flammable and should not be left anywhere near a gas furnace.

4. Check for and tape up any air leaks in exposed ductwork

   Duct leakage is a big deal. According to Energy Vanguard, it's one of the top three energy wasters in most homes! There are four sensory ways to check the efficiency of your ductwork: look, listen, feel, and test. Pacific Air Systems suggests that you:

   LOOK for any cracks, gaps, or holes in your ductwork, paying careful attention to the seams and connections and where they meet walls, floors, ceilings, vents, and registers.

   LISTEN for banging and other sounds in your duct system. Loud noises are an indication that something is wrong.

   FEEL for proper airflow coming out of all vents and registers. The air should be coming out at a consistent rate and pressure.

   TEST for air leaks using an incense stick, thin piece of toilet paper, or your wet fingertips. If you see the smoke or paper moving erratically, or if your finger feels cold, you’ve just detected an air leak!

5. Install carbon monoxide detectors to reduce the risk of CO2 poisoning

   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, over 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room due to unintentional CO2 poisoning, 4,000 are hospitalized, and 400 die. Almost every gas furnace produces some carbon monoxide. While it's generally swept away by your furnace's venting system, a dirty furnace might produce so much CO2 that the venting system will be unable to keep up.

   Consider installing a detector since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless.

6. Make sure heating vents are completely uncovered

   Throughout the year, furniture is moved around and things will be left on top of heating vents, which generally isn't an issue during spring and summer. Once winter comes around, be sure to remove anything that was on top of vents to decrease your chances of an overheated furnace.

7. Have a professional come in to inspect the furnace

   According to Angie's List, a furnace inspection generally costs between $60 and $85. On average, a new furnace will cost $4,188. For a fraction of that overall replacement cost, you can help ensure that all parts are working properly and that there are no obstructions, tears, cracks, or leaks. Furnace inspections will also reduce heating expenses and extend the life of the furnace.