Prep Your Home and Heater for Cooler Temperatures
JACKSON Tenn.- With temperatures dropping into the low 40’s this weekend, heating and air services warn families to prep their homes before turning on the heat. “I know it’s going to get cold tonight and people will turn on their heaters,” said Buddy Askew with McCoy’s Heating and Air. “It’s time to get it checked now.” If you don’t have a chance to get a professional to inspect your unit before making the switch, Askew says there are simple steps you can take yourself. “Look for cracks in their foundation, caulk, and close that. Also, go inside and check doors or windows for any draft and seal those too,” advised Askew. Firefighters with the Milan Fire Department said this time of year they see more fires due to space heaters and kerosene heaters. “Keep your space heater three feet from furniture or curtains,” warned Asst. Chief Steven Dillard. Experts also say you need to check that your chimney is ready for cooler temperatures. “If you haven’t had your chimney inspected you need to. There’s a build up called creosote that can cause fires,” said Dillard. Firefighters also say make sure all smoke and carbon dioxide detectors have fresh batteries, and are working properly.
