Furnaces are complex pieces of equipment that come with a world of hazards when they're not taken care of correctly. From routine maintenance tasks to recognizing warning signs of potential risks, join Peel Heating and Air Conditioning as we guide you through the key steps for a secure and cozy winter. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time furnace user, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to maintain a safe household for peace of mind and optimal indoor comfort.
Furnace Safety Tips
Neglecting furnace safety precautions can pose potential risks that extend beyond discomfort, which is why it's essential for homeowners to know the associated consequences of overlooking HVAC maintenance. In addition to operating inefficiently and increasing utility costs, a badly maintained furnace can also start a fire in your home and leak carbon monoxide, both of which are potentially fatal.
How to Keep Your Furnace in Tip-Top Shape
Homeowners can promote a safe indoor environment and enable their furnaces to operate dependably all winter long by adhering to these vital safety precautions:
1. Perform regular maintenance
Plan yearly inspections with a certified HVAC technician. They can identify any pitfalls with your equipment, repair issues before they develop, and keep your appliance operating optimally.
2. Regularly change the air filter.
Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace on a regular basis. Maintaining a clean filter lowers the possibility of malfunctions by facilitating optimal airflow, preventing overheating, and improving overall performance.
3. Install a surge protector.
Installing a surge protector can protect your furnace from electrical issues. Electronic parts are susceptible to harm from power surges; a surge protector acts as a safeguard against these spikes in voltage.
4. Schedule prompt repair appointments.
Set up a repair appointment with a licensed HVAC specialist as soon as you detect strange sounds, odours, abnormal flame patterns, and more to stop further damage.
5. Install carbon monoxide detectors.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in the busiest parts of your house and close to your furnace. These instruments offer preliminary alerts regarding possible problems that can lead to carbon monoxide leaks throughout your home.
Other Practical Safety Tips for Your Heating Equipment
Beyond the furnace safety tips listed above that require professional assistance, homeowners can also adapt daily habits that can help keep their heating system operating effectively and safely. Here are some additional tips that you can easily follow:
1. Check the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector.
Check and change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector on a regular basis. With its ability to detect possible gas leaks early on, this device is an essential safety measure that should never be overlooked. Make sure it's functioning correctly to protect yourself against carbon monoxide hazards that can otherwise go undetected.
2. Keep the area around your furnace clear.
Keep the area surrounding your furnace uncluttered. Clear the area of any garbage, debris, or combustible materials. This guarantees sufficient airflow, lowers the risk of a fire, and makes entry for maintenance or inspection simple.
3. Don’t block the air vents.
Make sure all of your home's air vents are clear of obstructions. When furniture or other objects block vents, adequate airflow is impeded, which increases the furnace workload and may lead to overheating. It has an impact on your heating system's efficiency as well.
4. Check the heat exchanger.
Although having a professional examine the heat exchanger is advised, you can look at it for any signs of corrosion, rust, or cracking.
5. Examine the pilot light.
Make sure the pilot light in your furnace burns a steady blue flame. A yellow or flickering flame could be a sign of combustion problems and should be investigated by a specialist immediately.
6. Look for any gas leaks.
Check the area around your furnace for gas leaks both visually and olfactorily. Should you notice a noticeable gas smell, leave your house immediately and get in touch with both the gas company and a qualified HVAC technician.
Furnace Red Flags
Apparent signs of possible furnace safety problems include odd noises, smells, or ineffective heating. Unusual smells, especially ones that smell like gas or chemicals, could be a sign of a combustion problem or gas leak. Strange noises like popping, slamming, or whining could be signs of airflow or mechanical difficulties. Insufficient heating or higher-than-normal energy bills are signs of inefficient heating, which could indicate system faults.
Seeing as broken furnaces come with unique risks, homeowners should never overlook these alerts. Here is what you should do when a red flag is detected in your home:
1. Turning off the furnace: If you notice any odd noises or odours, turn off the furnace and wait for an expert assessment.
2. Evacuation: In the event that a gas smell becomes apparent, leave your home right away and call the gas company and 911 for assistance.
Book a Furnace Inspection with Peel Heating
With over 40 years of professional experience, Peel Heating and Air Conditioning is well-equipped to handle any and all issues related to your home's furnace. Whether for standard repairs or a more severe malfunction, our technicians are available 24/7/365 days a year, including after-hours, weekends, and holidays, at no extra cost.
We put the health and safety of homeowners first, which is why we are also available to accommodate same-day emergency repairs if you ever suspect a gas leak, electrical surge, or other potentially hazardous issue with your home heating system.
Peel Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased to partner with homeowners throughout Brampton, Oakville, Erin, Halton Hills, Meadowvale, Orangeville, Mississauga, Caledon, Georgetown, Malton, Milton, and Port Credit. If you live in any one of these communities, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team to schedule a safety appointment or furnace inspection any time of the year.
You can get in touch with Peel Heating and Air Conditioning over the phone or book your appointment with us by using our online booking form.
