It’s that season again when your furnace is working overtime to keep your home warm. To make sure you and your family stay safe during this season, you need to be aware of some key furnace safety tips. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 7 essential furnace safety tips to keep in mind this winter.
1. Vacuum Inside and Around Your Furnace
Dust and lint can accumulate inside your furnace and around the vents, blocking airflow. It’s essential to vacuum these areas periodically to ensure proper airflow and maximum efficiency. Letting dust build up all over the furnace can also lead to health hazards and potential fire hazards.
A clean furnace should burn blue – if your flame is yellow, that could indicate a carbon monoxide leak, which calls for cleaning or professional inspection if you’ve been vacuuming regularly. Vacuum your furnace at least once every month to keep it running safely.
2. Replace Your Furnace Filters Regularly
The 1 and 2-inch furnace filters need changing every one or two months, depending on the type of filter you have and how well-ventilated your home is. If yours are bigger, the replacement period may be anywhere between three to six months. Make sure you note when you last changed the filter and stick to a schedule.
That’s because clogged filters reduce airflow which impacts efficiency and can cause the furnace to overheat. Overheating can lead to safety issues like fire hazards.
3. Keep Children and the Vulnerable Away From a Working Furnace
When the furnace isn’t in use during the summer months, we tend to forget the dangers that can arise when it’s in use. Parents let children play near it and pets roam around it. This habit can go on and lead to risky situations that can cause significant harm in winter. Make sure to keep an eye on children and the vulnerable, especially when your furnace is working. Remember to establish rules of play that keep them away from the furnace.
4. Keep Flammable Items Away
The risk of fire increases when anything flammable is kept near the furnace. For some people, this may be clothes hanging nearby, but it also includes materials such as paint, paint thinners, gasoline, oil, wood scraps, sawdust, papers, old rugs, cleaning supplies, and other hazardous items away from it. It’s important to keep the furnace and its area clean to reduce fire risks, so clear up any debris or clutter around it regularly.
5. Test the Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms
You must test the CO and smoke alarms regularly, especially when you’re using a fuel-burning furnace. This will help alert you of any potential danger in time to take action before it gets worse. You should not ignore the alarm system because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and could be leaking without your knowledge. This way, you act in time to prevent any health problems or emergencies.
6. Ensure Air is Flowing Freely in Your Home
Your furnace needs to breathe to operate properly and efficiently. Failure to do so will cause the furnace to overheat, leading to a possible fire hazard. It may also suck the only air inside your home, leaving you with an inadequate supply of oxygen. Therefore, make sure there is enough air flowing through the vents and ducts in your home. You might also need to consider opening windows when necessary.
7. Schedule Regular Maintenance With a Qualified Technician
Regular maintenance by a qualified technician can help you keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently for a longer period of time. Besides making your unit functional, an experienced technician will have answers to your questions and even detect potential problems before they become bigger and costlier. Also, a qualified technician can help you identify any components that may need replacement and make sure your furnace is operating safely.
Final Thought on Furnace Safety Tips
In conclusion, implementing these essential furnace safety tips will provide you with the best chance to keep your family safe and warm throughout the winter months. Taking the time to check your furnace and its components can save you money in the long run. Additionally, having a professional inspect your system regularly ensures it’s running efficiently and safely all year round.
Work With Furnace Experts For Any Service You Need
If you need furnace maintenance, repairs, or installation, hiring an experienced and knowledgeable HVAC technician is the best way to make sure the job is done correctly. A professional technician can help you identify any components that may need replacement and make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. Reach out to Caney & Son 72 Degrees for all your furnace needs.
