About a third of all injuries happen at home, [1] and some of the most common ones are preventable.  Although most indoor accidents are minor, National Safety Month in June is a prime time for consumers to take preventive measures to help ensure their homes are safe.

While some of the most common causes of home injuries are toxins, choking, and suffocation by ingested objects or smoke inhalation, [2] believe it or not, HVAC problems can be the culprit of indoor accidents as well – everything from fires to respiratory issues.

In honor of National Safety Month, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Midland Park is encouraging you to run an HVAC safety check to help keep your home safe and in good working condition.

Here are some helpful tips from our technicians to get you started:

  • From a respiratory standpoint, mold can be a serious health issue.  Technology, such as an UV germicidal light for your heating system or an air purification system for the entire home, can help prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.
  • Clean air ducts regularly to remove dust, allergens and toxins.  Everything from pollen and pet dander, to mildew and rodent droppings are commonly found in air ducts and can be released into your home, causing potential health issues.[3]
  • In addition to the safety measures you take to keep your HVAC system clean and mold-free, a routine air quality test can help determine any unsafe levels of pollution, which could lead to health problems like headaches, allergies and asthma.[4]
  • Heating and air systems that are clogged with debris can become potential fire or electrical hazards.[5]  It’s not uncommon for an air conditioner’s condensation drain to become clogged after a few years of use, resulting in water leakage onto the system’s electrical components. This not only creates the risk of equipment failure, but also electric shock.[6]
  • Carbon monoxide is one of the biggest safety concerns in regard to HVAC.  In fact, an estimated 500 deaths occur in the U.S. each year due to unintentional carbon monoxide exposure, and as many as 15,000 are examined at hospitals each year for non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning.[7]  Enlist the help of an experienced technician to ensure your HVAC system is not leaking this “silent killer,” and consider installing carbon monoxide alarms to help detect the poisonous gas in your home.

Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Midland Park today to learn about our special National Safety Month offers and discover more safety tips and measures you can take to prevent hazards from causing injuries.