Furnace Safety Tips
Schedule Regular Maintenance
The most important step you can take to ensure furnace safety is to schedule regular maintenance. A professional technician from Stafford Home Service Inc. will inspect and service your furnace. Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues, such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks, before they become dangerous.
Check your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced by malfunctioning furnaces. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, especially near sleeping areas, and test them regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly. If your CO detector goes off, evacuate your home immediately and call 911.
Keep your Furnace Area Clear
Keep the area around your furnace clean and clutter-free. Remove any flammable materials and ensure there is proper ventilation around the furnace to prevent overheating. Never store the following items around your furnace:
- Cardboard boxes
- Paper
- Chemicals
- Gasoline
- Paint
- Cleaning products
These items can ignite easily and pose a significant fire risk, so keep them away from your heating system.
Change Filters
Inspect the Venting System
Your furnace’s venting system play an important role in safely expelling combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, from your home. Inspect these components for signs of damage or blockages, and ensure they are properly connected. A professional technician can help with this during routine maintenance.
Install Smoke Alarms
In addition to carbon monoxide detectors, make sure your home is equipped with smoke alarms. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and replace the units themselves as recommended by the manufacturer.
Be Mindful of Strange Odors or Noises
Unusual smells, such as a strong gas odor, and strange noises, like banging or clanging, should never be ignored. If you notice any of these signs, turn off your furnace, leave your home immediately, and contact a professional technician and your gas company.
Contact Stafford Home Service
At Stafford Home Service, we are a quality-driven company focused on providing improvements to living or working environments for each and every customer. If you need a furnace inspection or are in need of routine maintenance to your heating system, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today and our trusted technicians will ensure your system is running smoothly and efficiently.
