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As the weather turns suddenly bitter cold with howling winds and the promise of snow, many will turn to using space heaters as an additional source of heat in drafty rooms. While a space heater might be just the remedy for those challenging spaces on extra chilly days, please bear in mind that they also pose a certain hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration states that half of all home heating fires happen in December through February and that space heaters account for one-third of home heating fires.*

With proper precautions, space heaters can be a safe auxiliary to your regular home heating system when and where you really need them. First and foremost, it’s important to read and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines on how and where to safely operate the space heater. They should never be used too close to combustible materials, such as drapery, clothing or bedding, which could ignite and spread fire throughout the home. Space heaters should also have a cord that is in good condition (not frayed or chewed) and adequate to carry the electrical load. Some extension cords are not adequate and could overheat and cause a fire.

Some of you might also turn to wood-burning fireplaces as an additional source of heat to take the chill off a room. Failure to clean the creosote that builds up inside the chimney is a leading cause of home fires. Make sure your fireplace chimney is cleaned once a year by a professional chimney sweep and that you use a glass or metal mesh screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent hot cinders from escaping into the room.

We hope that when the wind is howling outside your windows that you and your loved ones are toasty and safe inside.

Give Hillside HVAC a call today so you can be prepared this winter! DE: 302-738-4144. In MD: 410-398-2146

(*Ref: US Fire Administration, usfa.fema.gov)

Charlie’s safety tips checklist:

• Keep combustible items (clothing, curtains, upholstery, bedding, rugs, etc.) 3 feet or more from space heaters and fireplaces.
• Make sure power cords for heating sources are adequate to handle the electric load so they don’t overheat and cause a fire.
• If using an alternative heater that requires fuel, such as kerosene, never refill it while hot and always refuel it outdoors using only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
• Never use a kitchen range as a source to heat your home. It is a fire hazard!
• Make sure you have a smoke detector on every level of your home, and replace the batteries every 6 months to ensure they’re working.
• Have a CO alarm in your home to detect deadly, invisible carbon monoxide gas, especially if you use a backup power generator.

Read more safety tips online at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/index.shtm.

Recent testimonials from Hillside customers

Hillside is always proud to boast when our employees receive rave reviews from customers. Our heating service department has been busy working on no heat repairs and routine maintenances. This is by far the busiest time of the year for our heating department. Here are a few recent testimonials from customers of Hillside’s heating maintenance, repairs, and installations.

“Matt is professional, knowledgeable, and refreshingly personable. I am very pleased with his demeanor.” –Barbara G.W. 1/15/2014

“Your service is excellent! Thanks so much!” -Kate S. 1/14/2014

“Matt was very professional and thorough. His detailed feedback was appreciated.” –Paul P. 1/10/2014

If your heating system is in need of repair, replacement, or maintenance, mention this email and receive $50 off the standard rate of a service call! We promise YOU will be the next Hillside customer writing a positive testimonial.

Give Hillside a call for prices and options: DE: 302-738-4144  or  MD: 410-398-2146