Furnace Safety Tips
Although it’s important for your furnace to run properly and efficiently, it’s also critical for it to work safely. If you want to avoid dangers such as gas leaks and house fires, this list of furnace safety tips will help you minimize the risks to people and property when your unit is in operation.
Clear the Area
If you’re looking for furnace safety tips, making sure the area around the unit is clear is one of the most important. As explained by Kansas-based Hanna Heating and Air Conditioning, storing flammable items near your furnace, such as gasoline, solvents, paper or cardboard, poses a significant fire hazard. In addition to fire hazards, even non-flammable objects placed near the machine can restrict airflow and reduce its efficiency, so it’s best to keep the area around the furnace free of any objects.
Change the Filter
Another simple yet essential furnace safety tip is to change the filter regularly. Replacing your furnace filter at least once every 3 months improves airflow, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup and overheated components that can put everyone in your home at risk. This will also improve your machine’s efficiency, leading to better heating performance and lower utility costs over time.
Install Life-Saving Detectors
While furnace malfunctions are relatively rare, they can sometimes lead to house fires or gas leaks that can be dangerous if not fatal. Because these risks can arise with little warning, be sure to place at least one smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home, as well as near bedrooms and your furnace. When it comes to the proper placement of detectors near HVAC units, remember to put them at least 20FT (6M) away from your heating equipment in order to prevent false alarms.
Check the Alarms
If you already have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, it’s important to make sure they’re in good working order. Set aside a few minutes each month to test the alarms, and remember to change the batteries once a year. Even the best maintained units eventually need to be replaced, so plan on getting a new smoke detector about once every 10 years and a new carbon monoxide alarm once every 5 years.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
In order to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and other hazards, always make sure your furnace has good ventilation. If you see any furniture, curtains, toys or artwork covering floor or wall registers, move them so that air can flow out of the vents easily. Additionally, don’t forget to schedule an annual service visit with an authorized technician so that they can clear out leaves, sticks and dirt from the flue.
Notice Warning Signs
One of the most important furnace safety tips is to be on the lookout for signs of trouble. Even if your unit appears to be working fine, take note if there are odd noises, strange smells or yellow flames. If something doesn’t seem right, reach out to a licensed technician sooner rather than later–it’s a lot easier to fix small problems rather than larger ones.
Detect Gas Leaks
One of the most important safety tips for gas furnaces is knowing how to detect gas leaks when they occur. Although leak detectors are good for confirming issues, the American Public Gas Association advises that learning how to recognize the rotten egg or sulphur smell of mercaptan, an additive to natural gas, is a good first line of defense. If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately and call your gas provider to report the issue.
Look for Corrosion
While water doesn’t typically flow through them, furnaces can corrode due to the buildup of condensate and combustion gases, especially on the burner, heat exchangers, drain pans and flue pipes. Corroded heat exchangers are especially dangerous since they can crack, releasing toxic combustion gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into your home. Considering these risks, always take note of any signs of corrosion, especially inside the unit.
Remember Fire Extinguishers
Even though the probability that your home’s furnace will start a fire is relatively low, it’s still a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. That’s why QuickResponseFireSupply.com recommends keeping fire extinguishers near all sources of heat, including your furnace. They recommend ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers since they’re lightweight and widely available, so be sure to place one where it’ll be visible and accessible in an emergency.
Schedule an Inspection
In addition to simple things you can do on your own, it’s also important to enlist the help of a professional as part of routine HVAC maintenance. The licensed technician will perform various tests and checks during the visit to ensure your furnace is working properly and safely, including:
- Tightening the connections
- Checking the burners or elements
- Inspecting the exchanger
- Calibrating the thermostat
- Repairing the ductwork
- Lubricating the bearings
- Unclogging the flue
- Brushing the blower
- Venting the exhaust
- Draining the condensate