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As the colder months settle in across Massachusetts, heating systems for both homes and businesses begin working overtime. That extra use also brings added risks. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost half of all U.S. home‐heating equipment fires happen during December through February.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services offers detailed guidance emphasizing how vital it is to maintain furnaces, chimneys, space heaters and more.
Whether you’re managing a business property or a residential home, keeping your heating systems safe is a smart move for protecting assets, occupants, and peace of mind. Here are key considerations, best practices, and actionable tips. If you have any questions, contact our office at 413.475.7283 or complete our online quote form today!
1. Understand the Risks
• Heating equipment is among the leading causes of fires during winter months. NFPA reports that 46 % of all home heating-equipment fires occur in the coldest quarter of the year.
• Common hazards include space heaters placed too close to flammable items, chimneys clogged with soot, furnaces not professionally serviced, and improper use of alternative heating sources.
• For business properties, the same rules apply—commercial furnaces, boilers or heating units need to be maintained and clear of combustible materials.
2. Heating System Maintenance
• Annual professional inspection: Have your furnace, boiler or hot-water heater professionally checked each year to ensure safe operation.
• Chimney and flue cleaning: If you have fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or pellet systems, have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Blocks or creosote build-up can lead to fires or carbon monoxide build-up.
• Keep vents and intakes clear: Make sure external appliance vents are not blocked by snow, ice, leaves or debris. Obstructed vents increase risk of carbon monoxide and poor draft.
• Fuel supply and equipment checks: For oil- or gas-fueled systems, ensure the tank is not too low (for oil), the burner isn’t emitting smoke or soot, and gas lines and pilot lights are functioning safely.
3. Safe Use of Space Heaters and Alternative Sources
Space heaters can provide supplemental heat, but they come with heightened risk:
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters and other heat sources.
• Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet—do not use extension cords unless heavy duty and rated for the heater’s load.
• Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• For Massachusetts: note that portable kerosene space heaters are illegal for home use.
For fireplaces and wood-burning stoves:
• Use fireplace screens to catch embers.
• Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a lid and kept outside, away from structures.
• Install only approved appliances (e.g., UL–listed) and follow manufacturer guidelines or have a professional install and inspect them.
4. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness & Alarms
• Heating equipment is a leading source of carbon monoxide in homes and small businesses. CO is colorless, odorless and potentially deadly.
• Ensure you have working CO alarms and smoke alarms on every level of your property—including near sleeping areas and business offices.
• If you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, leave the building immediately, do not turn off or on any electrical switches, and call your gas company or 911.
5. Creating a Winter Heating Safety Checklist for Your Business or Home
Here is a suggested checklist you can adapt for your property:
Schedule annual inspection of furnace/boiler/hot water heater
Inspect and clean chimney/flue (if applicable)
Clear vents, intakes and exhausts from snow, ice, leaves or debris
Ensure space heaters (if used) are plugged directly into wall outlets and kept clear of flammables
Maintain a 3-foot clear zone around fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters
Ensure CO and smoke alarms are installed and tested monthly
Review safe ash disposal practices (for wood/coal systems)
For business equipment: ensure servicing records are maintained and emergency contact information is posted
6. Why This Matters for Insurance and Risk Management
At Encharter, our clients rely on us for more than policies—they rely on us for guidance. Winter heating incidents often lead to claims for fire damage, smoke damage, or carbon monoxide injuries.
By helping our clients understand and manage these risks we:
• Support loss prevention efforts
• Help keep insurance premiums from rising due to avoidable incidents
• Build trust and value by offering practical guidance
7. Final Thoughts
Winter heating is necessary—but it doesn’t have to be risky. With proper maintenance, safe usage of heating and space-heating equipment, and awareness of carbon monoxide hazards, both homes and business properties can stay warm and safe throughout the season.
Heating systems should be treated like any other critical equipment—not forgotten until something goes wrong.
Chat with an Encharter agent about your insurance today:
Complete our online quote form
Sources:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-home-heating-safety
https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2025/us-home-heating-fires-peak-during-winter-months
