Heating and Cooling Safety Tips

Heating and cooling systems are great for your health and wellbeing, but if they aren't used and maintained correctly they can be dangerous. Here are some simple tips to make sure your home and family are safe and comfortable all year round.

Fireproof your heater Heaters are responsible for around 17% of winter house fires in Australia. To ensure your heating system is firesafe: Keep portable heaters well clear of clothing, curtains, bedding and tablecloths. Never hang clothes or a towel over your heater to dry. Check the cords of any portable heating or cooling appliances and replace them if frayed. Perform a yearly maintenance check on wood, oil or gas heating appliances. Keep any flues or chimneys clean and place a fire screen around open fires. Check your fuses and install an electrical safety switch. Install and check smoke alarms. Keep a fire extinguisher and fire blanket on hand in case of emergency.

Clean your air-conditioner filter

If your air conditioner's filter becomes blocked by particles and foreign bodies it will not only work less efficiently, it can actually spread disease. A dirty filter can circulate bacteria through your house and cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and even Legionnaires disease.

Check your air conditioner's manual for details on how often you need to clean or replace the filter, and get a professional cooling specialist to make sure the job is done right.

DIY can be dangerous

If your heating or cooling system malfunctions, it's tempting to save a few bucks and repair it yourself. Unless you really know what you're doing, this is not recommended. Repairs and installation of gas or electrical appliances are dangerous and should only be performed by a qualified professional

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