When cold weather hits, nothing feels better than a warm and cozy home. But as temperatures drop, it’s essential to make sure you heat your home safely. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires each winter. Many of these fires—and the injuries and damage they cause—could have been prevented with a few careful steps and a little awareness. If you want to keep your home warm without risk, start by avoiding the most common mistakes that lead to unsafe heating:

• Damaged cords and overloaded outlets. It’s easy to overlook the condition of your space heater cords, but frayed, cracked, or pinched wires can quickly spark a fire. Plugging multiple high-wattage heaters into the same circuit—or using cheap multi-outlet adapters—can overload your system. Each heater should have its own dedicated outlet, and cords should always be in perfect condition.
• Long-term use of extension cords. Extension cords are meant for temporary use, not permanent setups. Many homeowners rely on them throughout the winter to power space heaters or electric blankets. This is a major safety hazard because these cords can overheat, melt, or fray over time. If you need a longer reach, have an electrician install additional outlets or use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for the wattage—and only for short-term use.
• Water and electricity together. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas should be heated with caution. Electric space heaters and wet floors do not mix. Keep all electrical heating devices far away from sinks, tubs, or any source of moisture to prevent electric shock or short circuits.
• Improper ventilation. Homes that rely on gas or kerosene heaters must have proper ventilation. Without it, carbon monoxide (CO) can build up silently and cause serious illness—or worse. Never use outdoor-only appliances like grills or camp heaters indoors. Make sure chimneys and flues are clear before the heating season begins, and schedule a professional inspection if you haven’t had one in the last year.
• Cluttered furnace or utility area. A furnace needs space to breathe. Storing boxes, cleaning products, or laundry around your furnace can block airflow and increase the risk of fire. Keep at least three feet of clearance around all heating appliances and avoid stacking anything flammable nearby.
• Skipping smoke and CO detector tests. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are your best defense against invisible dangers, but they’re only useful if they work. Test each unit once a month and replace batteries twice a year—ideally when the clocks change in spring and fall. Replace detectors every 7–10 years depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• DIY furnace repairs. It’s tempting to troubleshoot a noisy or unreliable furnace yourself, but heating systems are complex. Incorrect adjustments or makeshift fixes can create gas leaks, electrical hazards, or airflow problems. Always call a licensed HVAC professional like those at Knight’s Mechanical for service or repairs.
• Lack of routine HVAC maintenance. A dirty or poorly maintained system doesn’t just perform less efficiently—it can also be unsafe. Cracked heat exchangers, clogged filters, or damaged electrical components can lead to fires or carbon monoxide leaks. Schedule a professional checkup to ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently.

How common are heating-related fires?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment accounts for about one in every seven home fires, and nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. Portable space heaters are responsible for the majority of these incidents. The risk increases dramatically in homes where safety devices aren’t tested regularly or where electrical systems are overloaded.

Stay safe, stay warm

Learning how to heat your home safely doesn’t require complicated steps—it just takes awareness, maintenance, and a few smart habits. Keep cords in good shape, give your furnace room to breathe, test your detectors, and have your system checked by a professional before temperatures drop. A warm home is a wonderful thing—but a safe home is even better.