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Your furnace operates with gas/electricity and moving parts. Like any other system, it requires some attention. Here are a few tips to ensure the safety of your furnace and that of your family.
Clean the space around your furnace
Avoid storing things in the space around your furnace. In many cases, you will find people throwing things around the furnace. It could be boxes, cleaning supplies, and other flammable substances. These items may be a fire risk.
Ensure there is enough airflow around your furnace. Leave at least three feet of space around it. This also helps technicians have easier access to the unit when it requires service.
Examine your carbon monoxide sensors
Most furnaces use natural gas. So, carbon monoxide (CO) emission is a concern. You can neither see nor smell it. This is why all houses with furnaces must have operational carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, take these actions:
- Re-test them periodically
- Change the batteries annually
- Change the whole device every five to seven years, as directed by the manufacturer.
Switch filters
Dirty air filters in a furnace are inefficient. Moreover, they can be unsafe. When a filter is blocked, it limits the amount of air that can flow through. This may result in overheating in the system. That overheating, in some instances, can even close the furnace entirely. It is a good habit to check your filter at least once per month during the heating season. Also, replace it when it appears dirty.
Arrange the annual professional inspections
Although your furnace may appear to be in good working condition, it is important to have it serviced and checked by a professional once a year. A technician is able to note the minor issues, such as loose connections, before they grow into real safety hazards. This is preventive maintenance of your home. You would never miss an appointment with a doctor, and neither should your furnace.
Have an emergency repair contact on hand
Despite all the precautions, furnaces may collapse. This is why it is a good idea to have the contact number of a reliable 24/7 furnace repair service. Save it in your mobile phone or post it somewhere in your home where everyone can access it. When something goes amiss in the middle of the night, you will not be wasting time trying to find help. You will immediately know who you need to call.
Watch for warning signs
Something is not going well when your furnace has:
- A strange smell
- Banging sounds
- Short cycling
- Weak airflow.
When you see something suspicious, do not overlook it. An early intervention will ensure your family’s safety. It will also help you avoid expensive malfunctions in the future. When your furnace does not feel right, get a professional.
Teach your family furnace safety basics
Last but not least, familiarize everyone with a few basic rules of furnace safety. Even children. Tell them not to play with the furnace or around it. Ask everyone not to pile anything around it. It is good to teach such habits to ensure that your home is safe. This will also provide some peace of mind.