Understanding auxiliary heating

Are you using a wood stove, fireplace, electric space heater, or other heating equipment to increase the warmth and comfort of your home? As effective as they are, auxiliary systems carry certain risks and should be used with caution. When changing your backup heating equipment, a quick call to your insurer will verify that everything complies with your current home insurance.

Here are some home heating safety tips that can save you a lot of trouble.

 

Make sure your stove is approved. This means its components have been tested in a laboratory setting. Simply verify the plate installed directly on the stove. It also indicates all distances that must be respected. There are four certification agencies:

1. 1. 1. CSA: Canadian Standards Association
      2. ULC: Underwriters Laboratories of Canada
      3. WH: Warnock-Hersey by Intertek
      4. OTL: OMNI-Test Laboratories

Because these types of heating systems emit carbon monoxide and contribute significantly to winter smog, many large cities like Montreal and Quebec City now prohibit the use of solid-fuel-burning appliances that emit 2.5 grams or more of particulates per hour, no matter what kind of fuel is used. This level must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency – EPA or meet Canadian CSA/B415.1-10 norms. It’s recommended that you check with your city’s administration department to verify what regulations are in place before using your fireplace.

• Do not use kerosene, gasoline, or other combustible materials to start a fire.
• Choose dry wood that has been split into small logs to ensure it will burn quickly. Allow it to burn vigorously and quickly to minimize the build-up of creosote, a highly flammable substance.
• A wood stove or fireplace is not a garbage incinerator; do not burn plastic or wood that has been treated, painted, or varnished.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in the house. This fatal poisonous gas is created when fuel (wood, gas, etc.) is burned. It is odourless, colourless, tasteless, and non-irritating. In most municipalities across Ontario and Quebec, it is mandatory to instal carbon monoxide alarms outside bedrooms.
• By law, chimneys must be cleaned at least once a year, and are best swept by a professional. Avoid using logs or powder additives designed to clean ducts, as they only remove an average of 60% of creosote build-up.*
• Check the exterior chimney masonry walls for any anomalies (white or black spots, crumbling bricks or mortar joints, etc.).
• Always place ashes in a metal container with a lid and make sure they have cooled completely before disposing of them outside; add water if needed.
• Do not store the ash container in a garage or shed; place it outdoors, away from combustible materials.

Electric space heaters

A small space heater can make a big difference when it comes to staying comfortable this winter. That’s why electric space heaters are a great heating option so long as you follow these helpful tips:

• Check that the heating equipment is approved by a recognized organization.
• Choose a space heater equipped with a circuit breaker that automatically shuts off the device if it overheats. Be sure to use it only in the room you are in and turn it off when you leave.
• Do not place the space heater near curtains or other flammable items.
• If you have children or pets, use heating equipment that’s lower to the ground; these offer better stability and are more difficult to overturn.
• Do not place a space heater in a bathroom or laundry room, where it can be exposed to humidity or get wet.
• Do not use an extension cord; plug the device directly into the outlet.
• The surfaces of some space heaters can become very hot; avoid touching them!

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* Source: Quebec Ministry of Public Security

 

After a day enjoying the pleasures of snowy slopes and outdoor skating rinks, just follow these home heating safety tips and warm up in the comfort of your cozy home. Wishing you a wonderful winter season!