Fireplace Safety Tips for Families With Children

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A fireplace is a perfect way to create a cozy atmosphere, warm up in the winter, and relax next to after a long day. Though a fireplace has many benefits, it also comes with a handful of risks and safety hazards, especially in a house with children. Keep reading to learn about ways you can prevent fireplace-related injuries.

Safety Screens, Gates, and Locks:

Fireplaces can be interesting to young children whether it’s currently burning or not. The bright fire, the embers, and the firewood are all enticing to small kids and can cause them severe burns and other injuries if their curiosity gets the best of them. This being said, various products on the market can ensure your child’s safety around the fireplace. Investing in a safety screen, gate, or a lock can give you peace of mind when a fire burns. Before installing any of these, look up the recommendations of setting them up, and keep in mind that having these extra security devices doesn’t mean your child is free from all potential dangers.

Yearly Fireplace Inspection

Your fireplace should be inspected by a professional at least once a year. It’s essential to have your chimney cleaned out to remove any blockages; this helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and a variety of other toxins that can arise when fumes from the fireplace cannot be adequately released.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector should be placed in any home regardless of a fireplace or not. Carbon monoxide can form from heaters, washing machines, and other appliances. This being said, carbon monoxide is commonly formed from fireplaces. Any time there is a blockage in the chimney that prevents fumes from exiting it, your home is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide has no smell and isn’t visible, so a detector is the only way to know if it’s present in your home.

Hearth Safety Bumper

The hearth around a fireplace is typically raised and made of stone or hard concrete. This poses a hazard to kids and adults alike. One slight fall can lead to anything from a head injury to a stubbed toe. To prevent these injuries, you can purchase a hearth safety bumper to put along the sharp edges of the hearth. While a bumper might not take away all the risks, it can certainly help break a fall and lessen the severity of an injury.

 

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What Appliances Can Able Appliance & HVAC Service Repair?

If you have it, we can probably fix it. Based in Bristow, VA, we service many areas, including Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Virginia.

Microwaves

Most people use microwaves daily to thaw frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and cook meals. Common problems your microwave can develop include:

  • The plate won’t turn.
  • The microwave doesn’t turn on or off.
  • The door won’t close or open.
  • The microwave doesn’t heat properly.
  • It makes strange or loud sounds.
  • The light stops working.
  • The touchpad won’t respond.

Call to schedule a repair today if you notice any of these warning signs.

Freezers

Whether you own a separate freezer or only the one on your refrigerator, you count on it to keep perishable items frozen for later use. If the freezer fails, you may lose hundreds of dollars worth of food. Some warning signs of freezer malfunction include:

  • Water leaks
  • Frost or ice buildup
  • Strange sounds
  • Temperature variations
  • Constantly running compressor

The freezer also might just stop working.

Ice Makers

Many people enjoy the convenience of built-in ice makers. Signs that yours isn’t working correctly:

  • Ice is fractured, frosted, or strangely shaped.
  • Ice won’t release from the mold.
  • The outside ejector doesn’t produce ice.

Common issues include clogged water lines, incorrectly set thermostats, unlevel mounting, and clogged water filters.

Dishwashers

Gone are the days when someone had to wash dishes by hand in the sink daily. Most people use their dishwashers every day to avoid that manual task. You may notice:

  • Your dishes aren’t clean after a wash cycle.
  • The dishwasher won’t run.
  • The machine won’t fill or drain properly.
  • Your dishwasher has a foul odor.
  • Operation makes more noise than usual.
  • Water leaks onto the floor.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service can diagnose and repair your issue.

Refrigerators

Every kitchen has a refrigerator. Some people have them in garages and offices too. We count on these essential appliances to keep our food fresh. It’s time to schedule a repair if:

  • The refrigerator operates constantly or won’t come on at all.
  • The temperature is too hot or too cold, not adjusting with the thermostat.
  • Water leaks onto the floor.
  • The water dispenser won’t release water.
  • The appliance makes loud noises.

Most of these issues are easily repaired.

Ovens, Stoves, and Ranges

Families that enjoy home-cooked meals and freshly baked desserts rely on their ovens and stoves. Owners can choose gas or electric appliances, and the repair issues can differ for each type. However, the problems you may notice remain similar.

Ovens

  • The oven won’t heat to the set temperature correctly or at all.
  • The interior light won’t come on or turn off.
  • The self-cleaning feature doesn’t work.
  • The door won’t open or close.
  • Your food cooks unevenly.
  • Your controls aren’t responsive.
  • The heating or broiling element won’t ignite or come on.

Stovetops and Ranges

  • Eyes won’t ignite or power on.
  • Temperatures don’t adjust to your settings.
  • The indicator lights don’t work.
  • Turning the eyes on produces sparks or strange smells.
  • Bubbles, cracks, or blisters appear on the cooktop or coils.

Able Appliance & HVAC Service technicians can repair all brands of electric and gas ovens, stoves, cooktops, and gas range tops.

Washers and Dryers

Everyone needs clean clothes, sheets, and towels. Our washers and dryers make that easy to accomplish unless they stop working properly. Each appliance typically gives you signs that repairs are necessary.

Washers

  • Water won’t fill or drain.
  • Water overfills or leaks.
  • The agitator won’t spin.
  • The washer vibrates excessively or makes loud noises.
  • Unpleasant odors persist.
  • The door doesn’t open.
  • The machine ruins your laundry.
  • The washer won’t turn on or stop

Dryers

  • The dryer doesn’t power on or only runs for a short time.
  • The dryer won’t heat or overheat.
  • The machine takes too long to dry laundry.
  • The drum won’t spin.
  • The dryer is too noisy or vibrates excessively.
  • The laundry has wrinkles or lint.

These appliances come in many makes and models, and Able Appliance & HVAC Service can repair them all.

AC and Heating

When your heating or air conditioning isn’t working properly, your home can quickly become uncomfortable. Common issues you’ll notice are:

  • The air isn’t heated or cooled to the correct temperature, the heat blows cold air, or the AC blows hot air.
  • The unit runs constantly or won’t turn on.
  • Fluid leaks from your inside or outside units.
  • Your system is too loud.

Schedule a repair appointment to avoid further damage if you experience any of these problems.

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