How to Safely Heat Your Home During Louisiana’s Mild Winters
Louisiana winters may be mild compared to other parts of the country, but we still need to turn the heat on to stay cozy. Modern heating systems are safe, but there are still some considerations to keep in mind. One is to avoid space heaters, as they can cause a fire risk. Read on to learn the other best practices to keep your family cozy while avoiding unnecessary dangers.
Choose the Right Heating System
Your heating system plays a big role in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. Many homes in Lake Charles rely on heat pumps or furnaces, both of which are safe options when properly maintained. Modern gas furnaces minimize the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, but electric mini-split heat pumps eliminate it entirely, so they’re great options for safe heating.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Even during winter, ventilation is important for maintaining good indoor air quality. If you use gas-powered heating, make sure your system is properly vented to prevent harmful gases like carbon monoxide from building up in your home. Install carbon monoxide detectors as an added layer of protection and test them regularly to ensure they’re working.
Don’t Overwork Your System
While Louisiana winters are typically mild, we sometimes experience unexpected cold snaps. During these times, avoid cranking up the heat to excessive levels. Instead, set your thermostat to a comfortable but efficient temperature, usually around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Overworking your heating system can lead to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment.
Supplement With Efficiency Improvements
Many homes lose tremendous amounts of heat by being poorly insulated. Adding insulation to walls, attics, and crawlspaces will make your heater much more effective while keeping your home safer from the dangers of an overworked system. You can also consider installing whole-house fans, which can push heat that has risen down back into the bottoms of rooms, and circulate it more evenly throughout your home.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Routine heating maintenance is key to keeping your heating system in safe operating condition. Annual tune-ups help identify potential issues before they become major problems and ensure your system runs safely and efficiently. During maintenance, we tune safety components and do safety checks to make sure it won’t leak gas or cause other hazards.
For residents in Lake Charles and the surrounding areas, ACR Air Conditioning & Heating Inc offers comprehensive heating services including maintenance and repair as well as new installations. Call us today to schedule an appointment and keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long.
