The furnace is a major appliance involving gas and electricity. If it is not treated properly it can become hazardous. We have put together 5 tips to keep your furnace running safely.
1. Clear the Area
While your furnace is probably located in the basement or a closet, it is important to keep other items you are storing in the area away from the furnace. Do not place items next to or leaning up against the furnace. Crowding the furnace can decrease its efficiency. Additionally, and even more importantly, paper, cardboard or other similar items can catch fire if the equipment becomes too hot.
2. Keep Flammable Materials Away
The furnace generates a lot of heat and fire, placing flammable items near the equipment poses a fire hazard. Items like paint, pain thinners, oils, gasoline, etc. should be stored far from the furnace. The items will ignite if they reach their flash point.
3. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Devices that burn fuel produce carbon monoxide. Gas-burning furnaces create this gas. Carbon Monoxide is toxic and will kill you. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and it not detected by sight or taste. Your heating system is designed to vent carbon monoxide and other fumes outside your home. However, if there is a leak in the system a carbon monoxide detector will alert you to the potential danger of inhaling this toxic gas and you can leave your home before being poisoned.
4. Change the Filter
The furnace filter is designed to catch and trap dust particles and debris to filter clean air through your home. When the filter is not changed regularly it can prevent air from flowing. This causes your system to work harder than it needs to work. Additionally, it can harm the equipment itself. Changing the filter every 30 to 90 days is recommended.
5. Schedule Annual Maintenance
The best way to keep your home safe and your furnace functioning properly is to have it serviced annually. Hiring a professional to inspect your system is essential to the health of your HVAC system. An HVAC technician will clean, lubricate, and tighten up the equipment. The tech will also look for any issues that may be a problem.
Here to Help
If you are concerned about the health of your HVAC system this winter, give the professionals at TR Miller a call. Our professional team is here to help with anything you need!
