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Yes, a chimney damper is necessary. It controls airflow in and out of your fireplace, helping to retain heat when closed and allowing smoke to escape when open. Without a damper, your home could lose warmth during cold months, leading to higher energy bills. It also helps prevent downdrafts and keeps animals or debris from entering the chimney. In short, it’s essential for efficiency and safety.

Baseboard heaters are generally safe and efficient, but they can be dangerous if safety precautions are not followed. To ensure safety, do not block the heaters with furniture, drapes, open doors, or other items, and maintain clear space around them for proper heat flow. Regularly check that items have not fallen on or under the units. If you have children or pets, make sure they stay clear of hot heaters to avoid burns. For added safety, consider models with an automatic shut-off feature and have them professionally tested. If a problem occurs with a baseboard heater, always contact a qualified electrician or HVAC professional for repairs.

Your pilot light needs to be on whenever you’re using your furnace to heat your home. However, you might decide to turn it off during the summer months, when you don’t need heating. Doing this can save you a little bit of money on utility costs—just make sure you’re fine with relighting your pilot light (or hiring a professional to do it) when fall comes around and you’re ready to get cozy.

Yes, fire extinguishers eventually expire. However, the good news is that a properly stored fire extinguisher can last a decade or longer. They don’t have an expiration date on the canister, but you can check the manufacturing date on the “UL” nameplate near the classification information. Maintenance will also give your fire extinguisher longevity. Check the gauge at the top of the extinguisher every month. You'll want to make sure the gauge needle is in the green section, and if a hose or nozzle has been used or damaged, you need to replace it.