(NC)—Every winter Canadians turn to supplemental heat sources such as gas fireplaces, generators, space heaters, wood stoves and kerosene heaters to reduce home utility costs and stay warm.
When using a supplemental heat source to save energy and money this winter, keep safety top of mind to prevent fire and Carbon Monoxide dangers - two of the most common winter safety hazards. Below is some safe heating advice from the experts at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse:
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including furniture, people, pets and curtains.
• Look for products that have built-in safety features like automatic shutoffs, anti-tipping devices and heat guards.
• To avoid serious home injuries and help you rest easy throughout the winter, be sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use and placement of heating devices.
• Place at least one Carbon Monoxide alarm in your home near sleeping areas. This will detect and alert your family when dangerous levels of the deadly — and odorless — gas are present
• Have your home’s central heating system inspected, cleaned and tuned by a trained professional who knows how to repair leaks and other problems.
• Never burn trash or cardboard boxes in your fireplace or wood stove; they burn unevenly and may contain poisons or cause a fire.
• Get your chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a professional chimney sweep.
Supplemental heat sources are a great way to stay warm without heating the entire house. For all of your winter heating and home safety product needs, visit www.lowes.ca to find a Lowe’s store near you.
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