Residential blazes are among the top causes of fire-related deaths in the United States. Sometimes cooking mishaps and neglected candles are to blame for house fires, but lack of maintenance is another widespread reason. The tips below explain how duct cleaning and other routine tasks can help protect your household.

Maintenance Practices That Contribute to Fire Safety

1. Electrical Inspections

In addition to practicing electrical safety, such as never overloading outlets or placing cords under rugs, schedule yearly electrical inspections. The local electrician can identify potential safety hazards, including breaker box problems and frayed wiring, and provide repairs that minimize your electrical fire risk.

2. Duct Cleaning

Request duct cleaning once a year to maintain your dryer vent that connects the appliance to the outdoors. Over time, it becomes clogged with debris and requires annual maintenance to remain hazard-free. This is in addition to cleaning the dryer’s lint trap with every use.

3. Chimney Cleaning

Unless you never use your fireplace, schedule annual chimney cleaning to prevent creosote — the toxic and highly flammable byproduct of burned wood — from building up. Without routine professional cleanings, creosote eventually clogs chimneys and causes fires.

4. Water Heater Clearance

Keep the area surrounding the water heater clear, especially if the appliance relies on gas. Too many objects around a gas water heater smother it, increasing the risk of combustion. The same is true of gas furnaces. Ensure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are functional if you use any major gas appliance.

5. HVAC Maintenance

Combine annual HVAC servicing with DIY maintenance such as routine filter changes to keep these appliances functional and safe. Not only do air conditioners and heat sources increase energy bills without regular maintenance, but they can also become fire hazards. Frayed wires, overheated motors, and bad electrical connections are among the issues that can cause the appliances to get too hot and possibly ignite.

Keep your home safe from fires with duct cleaning from Lappins in Onalaska, WI. The water and fire restoration company offers duct maintenance and power washing, among other services, that help area residents maintain their homes. Call the IICRC-certified technicians at (608) 784-1500 today to schedule a free estimate, or explore their services online.