Gas Furnace Safety Tips

Natural gas furnaces are the most popular type of furnaces among homeowners. They are affordable and efficient to operate. They tend to be more cost-effective and efficient in extreme temperatures than the electric furnace. However, gas furnaces do come up with hazards from fire to carbon monoxide leaks, which is a big concern for the owners. Gas Furnace Safety Tips

It is crucial to take safety measures to prevent these risks for a safe and secure home. Your furnace requires maintenance before winters to function properly. Here are a few safety tips that will make your gas furnace safer for your family and home.

Vacuum Your Furnace

Dust and debris cause hazards around your furnace. During the summer, dirt is accumulated around and inside of your furnace, which can be a potential danger that can cause a fire. Vacuuming and cleaning out your furnace will remove the dust and prevent the chances of starting a fire. For gas furnaces the pilot light should be blue, if the pilot light emits yellow color it’s a sign that the air intake valve to the pilot light is clogged with dirt and needs to be cleaned.

Keep Flammable Items Away

It is crucial to keep the area around your furnace clear. Accidental fire is caused due to the storage of flammable items near the gas furnace. These materials include gasoline, cardboard, cleaning products, and other combustibles. Keep such materials away from your gas furnace. Seal the flammable liquid and store the materials properly to prevent accidental ignition, look out for these hidden dangers around your furnace for your safety and your furnace to work efficiently.

Keep Air Flowing

The furnace needs proper ventilation to work, there should be enough space for the air to circulate. If there is any blockage of air your furnace will heat unevenly around the house and your furnace suffers from a great deal of stress. Debris and small animals can also make their way to the vents; therefore, you should inspect your vents to prevent any blockage in the airflow.

Test Your Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detector

A malfunctioning furnace can release smoke and carbon monoxide which is a poisonous and odorless gas. Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are placed in the room where your furnace is installed. Check the batteries and replace them monthly to ensure they are in working order. These devices save you from dangerous hazards, therefore, they need to be tested.

Dirty Air Filters

Due to the buildup of dirt and dust particles on your air filter, the air filter gets clogged and your furnace has to work harder to push the air through the dirty air filter. This causes your furnace to overheat and it also reduces efficient airflow. To avoid these complications change your air filters more often.

Schedule Inspection

Routine maintenance is crucial for your gas furnace to be in a good shape. You should schedule furnace cleaning and inspection at least once a year. The technician will determine if your furnace has an issue and they will clean your furnace to avoid any future breakdowns. This will ensure that your furnace works smoothly and efficiently, saving you money in the long run.

If you’re in need of any furnace repair or furnace replacement services, then feel free to contact All Climate Mechanical, the best HVAC contractors in New Brighton MN, today.