THE WIMMERA is beginning to get its first taste of winter, and with that, more heaters will be back in use after months of collecting dust.
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All Victorians need to check their heaters to ensure they are in good working condition.
Wade's service and sell heating units, Wade's director Adam Jolley said keeping up to date with servicing your heating system will save you money in the long run.
"The efficiency of the system, and carbon monoxide and breakdown prevention are reasons why you need to have your system serviced," he said.
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Mr Jolley advised gas heaters to be serviced yearly and central heaters every two years.
"People can clear out the return air filter every couple of months for ducted heating," he said.
"Pull it out and vacuum it. This allows air to flow through it."
Mr Jolley said they had been flat out servicing heaters now, so it's better to schedule your service in February and early March.
"By getting it serviced you increase the longevity of your heater. It's cheaper to run because your heater will put out more air and heat for you. And it will put less stress on the unit," he said.
Mr Jolley also advised having a yearly carbon monoxide test for peace of mind.
CFA on winter preparation
CFA District 17 commander Lindsay Barry said people need to prepare for winter, just as they would for the summer season.
"Like all things to do with fire safety it comes down to planning," Mr Barry said.
"Check if your heating appliance is suitable. And your appliances, whether wood heater, gas heater, electric heater or reverse cycle system, need to be serviced by someone who is accredited and knows the equipment.
"We know from our studies the majority of fires that start within homes start within either the living areas or bedrooms of the home.
"They make up a large percentage of fires because heating equipment is placed in one of those areas."
Make sure you don't hang clothes in front of heaters or leaving heaters on when no one is home.
On average, around 3000 house fires in Victoria each year, and most could be prevented by taking simple precautions.
"Some of those can be devastating as we see quite often. People's lives can be taken when not prepared without smoke detectors in home," Mr Barry said.
All homes need to have appropriate fire plans. Mr Barry emphasised these plans must include elderly and young children.
"You need to have a home fire safety plan that identifies all the people living in that residence what actions to take if a fire does occur," he said.
Smoke detectors should also be serviced and inspected regularly.
"Firefighters don't save people from house fires, smoke detectors do. It's about early warning," Mr Barry said.
"People need to be able to self-evacuate and get clear of the premises."
Mr Barry also said to keep up simple housekeeping habits.
"Make sure you don't hang clothes in front of heaters or leaving heaters on when no one is home," he said.
"It's very a simple message. Make sure you take the time to get equipment serviced and chat with people in the home about what to do in the unlikely but very serious case of a fire starting in the home.
"Put it in the front of your mind, it's just as important to have fire safety in the cooler months as it is for summer fire season."
For more information on how to prevent fires in your home, visit the CFA website at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fires-in-the-home.
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