To keep your home heating system working the way it should this season, there are actions that you as the owner can take, but there are things that need to be left to a professional.

SAFETY TIPS

Do-it-yourself

-  Examine the heating system occasionally for signs of deterioration, such as water stains, corrosion or leakage; in forced-air systems, clean the furnace air filters frequently - at least twice a heating season.

-  Keep the area around the furnace free from dust, lint, rags, paint, drain cleaners and other materials or chemicals that could catch fire or explode if they become too hot.

-  Make sure warm-air outlets and cold air outlets are not covered by carpets or blocked by debris.

-  Make sure walls, other obstructions or new renovations do not block the heating system's air supply.

Call a professional

-  If your heating system stops working, check the electrical fuse, the switch and the thermostat, and then call for a heating technician.

-  If snow or ice covers your outdoor regulator, contact your fuel supplier.

-  Under no circumstances should unqualified people tamper with heating systems; if you have questions or concerns, contact a TSSA-registered heating contractor by visiting COSafety.ca.

Electric space heaters are a handy way to add a little extra warmth to one corner of your home without turning up the furnace. However, they can be a harzard if not used properly. You may want to follow the manufacturer's instructions and these safety tips to stay safe and warm:

- Never use space heaters to dry flammable items such as clothes or blankets;

- Keep all flammable objects at least three (3) feet away from space heaters;

- If using an extension cord, make sure it is the right size and gauge to carry the electrical load being drawn by the space heater;

- Never use an electric space heater in a wet area or any area that could be exposed to water;

- Keep an eye on children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use;

- NEVER use fuel burning portable space heaters (i.e. propane or kerosene) in any enclosed space; it can lead to deadly carbon monoxide exposure.

It’s early in the evening and there’s a knock on the door. You answer and are greeted by an official-looking man who claims he needs to see your utility bill to confirm you’re getting your energy rebate.

Do you let him in?

While he may be legitimate, he may also be using deception to sell you something you don’t want. Here are some suggestions for finding out:

• Ask for a business card. Then, check if it has an address, phone number and website. If the salesperson refuses or just shows you his ID card (which anyone can fake), that’s a red flag.

• Ask for the name of his employer. Sometimes salespeople will say they “represent the phone company”. That doesn’t mean they actually work for it.

• Ask if you can call his company to confirm details before buying. If he refuses, or says the office is closed, shut the door.

• Ask if you can consider the offer and call the office the next day to place your order.

• If you’re really suspicious, ask him to come back later. Then, call the non-emergency police number. Police are aware of common scams in the area.

Most importantly, use your common sense. Door-to-door salespeople can be pretty persuasive, but if something doesn’t seem right to you, trust your gut. Say, “No thanks.”

Of course, if everything checks out with the salesperson, and the offer is a good one, consider taking advantage of it.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE N-15 FORM

In September 2016, new Ontario Legislation (Bill 132) came into effect allowing people threatened by domestic abuse and/or sexual harassment to terminate their tenancies early, whether they signed a lease or not. This early-notice provision is obtained through an N-15 form which the tenant submits to his/her landlord.

What do I do when I receive an N-15?

First and foremost – keep it strictly CONFIDENTIAL! Do not mention, refer to it, or show it to anyone among your employees, colleagues or tenants. The only permitted exception is a property manager acting directly and confidentially with that tenant on your behalf.

You are permitted to obtain professional legal advice and contact the Landlord Tenant Board or provincial Ministry of Housing about N-15 you have received. These individuals or agencies are also bound by law to maintain confidentiality.

For more information: About Bill 132 and Ontario's Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan legislation, visit https://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page142.aspx

To view an N-15 blank form for reference, visit https://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/documents/ltb/Notices%20of%20Termination%20&%20Instructions/N15.pdf

Remember: You can help keep at-risk tenants safe by properly handling N-15 forms. Landlords and corporate rental providers who breach confidentiality laws can be subject to fines ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.