COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Commerce is encouraging Ohio residents and business owners to inspect and maintain their heating systems now, ahead of the colder months, to prevent fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and costly repairs.

The department’s Divisions of State Fire Marshal and Industrial Compliance emphasized that routine maintenance is key to safe and efficient operation of heating equipment.

Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon stressed that yearly professional checks are vital to avoiding deadly situations.

“Having your home heating system checked out each year by a professional is not just about comfort, it is about safety,” Marshal Reardon said. “A seasonal tune-up can catch issues before they might otherwise lead to a dangerous and deadly situation, which we unfortunately see each and every year.”

Faulty furnaces, clogged chimneys, and malfunctioning space heaters cause nearly 40,000 home heating equipment fires annually in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and over $1 billion in property damage.

Beyond fire risk, cracked heat exchangers or blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. More than 400 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Robb Coventry, Superintendent of the Division of Industrial Compliance, noted that maintenance can also yield financial benefits.

“A quick inspection now can prevent major problems later,” Coventry said. “A few simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe and warm this winter, as well as the amount that appears on your heating bills.” A well-maintained system heats more effectively, using less energy.

The agencies recommend that Ohioans take several precautions when using heating equipment:

  • Keep anything combustible, such as blankets, curtains, or furniture, at least three feet away from all heating sources.
  • Ensure space heaters have “tip-over protection” and do not leave them running unattended.
  • Never use kitchen ovens or ranges to heat a home, and never use kerosene or torpedo heaters indoors due to carbon monoxide risk.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replace batteries regularly, and replace any smoke alarms manufactured in 2015 or earlier.
  • Insulate exposed water pipes to prevent freezing and water damage.
  • Keep heating vents clear of obstructions to allow proper airflow.