HVAC Electrical Safety

More fires occur in December than any other time of the year. Many are the cause of Christmas lights and decorations. Some are a result of HVAC electrical safety hazards. Don’t let the latter happen in your home.

1. Schedule a professional tune-up of your system in the Fall to make sure your equipment is working safely and efficiently. In addition to preventing electrical problems, your HVAC technician will clean your system and make sure there are no carbon monoxide or refrigerant leaks. Our technicians here at LHT Cooling, Heating & Refrigeration, Inc., will inspect all components of  your system including:
   • Electrical disconnect box
   • Electrical wiring
   • Test/inspect contactors for burned, pitted contacts
   • Inspect electrical for exposed wiring
   • Inspect and test capacitors
   • Inspect fan and blower motor
   • Professionally clean entire system
   • Make safety and efficiency recommendations
2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
   • Make sure you install smoke and CO detectors on every floor of your home and in every sleeping area
   • Test the alarms every 30 days and replace batteries at least once a year
   • Replace alarms every 10 years as per manufacturer instructions
3. Teach HVAC and electrical safety to children
   • Exposed wires or plugs can give you an electrical shock
   • Never run cords under carpets or in high traffic areas
   • Keep cords out of reach
   • Don’t overload outlets
4. Heating equipment safety
   • Keep flammable items away from heat sources: fireplaces, furnaces, portable space heaters
   • Don’t put clothes on top of heat sources
   • Do not use extension cords with space heaters – plug directly into outlet – and don’t plug anything else in that outlet
   • Turn portable space heaters off before going to bed
5. Extension cord safety
   • Replace damaged, frayed cords – never use on permanent basis
   • Make sure outdoor cords are rated for outdoor use
   • Never use extension cords for large appliances – do not plug air conditioners or space heaters into extension cords

Follow our HVAC electrical safety tips and have a safe holiday season!