Fire department offers A/C and heater safety tips

  • Published
  • By Gerard Reheiser
  • 94th Airlift Wing Fire Department
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  The Dobbins Fire Department recommends all Dobbins Air Reserve Base personnel check the air conditioning and heating units in their homes regularly.

These systems operate with electric motors and air moving equipment, which require periodic maintenance. Regular maintenance will ensure the unit has a longer life-span, increase safety in the home, and ultimately save money that could potentially be lost in property damage, or worse, loss of life.

Clean, or have your interior AC coils cleaned, and replace your return air filters regularly. This will prevent the fan motor from being overworked, and also save money on your energy bill.

For window A/C units, never use extension cords.

Lubricate belt drive pulleys, boss bearings on drive motors and other equipment as needed.

Have the resistance coils or furnace burners cleaned and serviced at the beginning of the heating season, since debris may accumulate there while the system is off during the summer.

Listen to the system when it is operating. Squealing sounds, rumbling noises or banging and tapping sounds may indicate loose parts or bearings which are seizing up.

If you have access to a snap-on amp meter, you may check the amperage draw on the high amperage circuit to your heating coils to make sure they are in the normal operating range. Higher than normal amperage draw on a circuit indicates unusual resistance, and in an electrical circuit, resistance is what causes heat, and ultimately, fires.

When using space heaters, keep flammable materials, such as curtains or a couch, at least three feet away.

Make sure heaters are not in the traffic flow of the room.

As a general rule, extension cords are not recommended with space heaters. Small, low wattage heaters may be an exception, but check the manufacturer's recommendations prior to using an extension cord with one.

Use space heaters only on solid, firm surfaces. They should never be placed on tables, chairs or other places where they may tip over. Replace old space heaters with ones that will automatically turn off if tipped over.

For more information on tips and tricks using A/C and heaters around your home please contact the Dobbins ARB Fire Department by phone at 678-655-4840.