Whether it's scheduling a heating system tune-up or changing the batteries in smoke alarms, there are a few things we can all do to help keep our families safe. But how does your home stack up when it comes to safety? Take this fundamental home safety challenge and find out how your home scores out of 60 possible points!
Heating System Maintenance
If you've had a heating system inspection this winter or this past fall, give yourself 10 points!
Heating system maintenance isn't just a way to save energy and money: it's also an essential part of home safety. With regular tune-ups, you can avoid potentially hazardous issues like delayed ignition, gas leaks, and, worse still, carbon monoxide leaks. That's why it's essential to have a technician check your heating system annually; it could mean the difference between a warm, welcoming home and a potential disaster.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
If you've had your home's dryer vent cleaned within the past 365 days, give yourself 10 points!
Dryers that are not properly maintained can become a breeding ground for lint buildup, which presents a serious fire hazard if left unchecked. Having your dryer vent professionally inspected and cleaned yearly helps ensure the safety of your home and family. It also increases energy efficiency by eliminating the strain on the motor caused by blockages.
Visual Inspection for Mold
If you've checked your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement for mold growth within the past 30 days, give yourself 10 points!
It’s paramount to regularly inspect for mold in the areas where it is most likely to accumulate: namely, the kitchen, bathroom, and basement. Mold can form from high humidity levels or a water leak and potentially cause respiratory problems for those living inside the home. Everyone is at risk for health issues when mold is present, so detecting and removing it as soon as possible is vital for homeowners looking to ensure their living environment remains safe.
Changing Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you've changed your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice in the past 365 days, give yourself 10 points!
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are vitally important safety equipment in any home, providing early warnings in the event of potential fires or CO gas leaks. To get the most out of your devices, change their batteries at least twice a year. An excellent trick to remembering this is to change the batteries every time we "spring forward" and "fall back" for Daylight Saving Time.
Water Heater Inspection
If you've closely inspected your water heater within the past 30 days, give yourself 10 points!
Most homeowners know that water heater problems can be inconvenient--but did you know they can also be dangerous? If a water heater's temperature and pressure relief valve (TPRV) malfunctions, pressure can build up inside the tank to the point where it explodes. Some common signs of a TPRV issue include:
- Flooding or leaking from the TPRV
- Debris in your water
- A rattling or high-pitched, whistling-type sound coming from the water heater
If you notice any of these issues, you should contact a plumber right away so they can inspect your water heater.
Chimney Cleaning
If you've had your chimney cleaned this winter or this past fall, give yourself 10 points!
A thorough, professional chimney cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of creosote, which is a flammable substance that can ignite if exposed to an open flame or spark. It's wise to get your chimney cleaned yearly, especially if you use your fireplace often during fall and winter.
How Did Your Home Score in This Home Safety Challenge?
It's time to add up your points. Did you score 60 out of 60? If so, congratulations! You're doing an excellent job of maintaining your home!
If you did not score so well, don't worry! Our team of experts at Robison are here to help get your home up to par. We offer a wide range of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and chimney services. We're even trained to provide comprehensive health and safety assessments (HSAs) to help you identify and remedy areas of concern in your home.
Give Robison a call today at (914) 730-5287 and let us help create a safer home for you!