Furnaces are tremendous sources of heat and help keep people warm, but they can also be quite dangerous if maintenance is neglected for extended periods of time. This is why it is important to ensure furnace health and safety throughout the year, especially during colder months. 

Furnaces require regular maintenance, and they need to be monitored closely by you or a professional. By inspecting your furnace and addressing any issues it has, you will be better equipped to prevent fires, indoor air pollution, and carbon monoxide poisoning. In this article, we’ll go over a few furnace health and safety tips to keep your home as safe as possible during the winter months. 

Clean Furnace

A furnace that is clean is guaranteed to run safer than one that isn’t. Dust and lint can build up in a furnace, posing a serious fire hazard if left unchecked. If you have a natural gas furnace that is emitting yellow or orange flames, it is likely that there is a great deal of build-up inside it.

Ideally, your natural gas furnace should emit blue flames. If not, you can look at its maintenance instructions to determine how best to clean it. Contact a heating specialist and have it professionally cleaned at least once a year to keep your home safe from a badly maintained furnace. 

Clear Clutter

Many furnaces are located in areas that are prone to clutter such as garages and closets. Because of this, it is imperative that you clear away any clothing, paper, or trash bags resting near your furnace. The fewer flammable items in the immediate area, the better. This makes sure you’re as safe as possible from potential furnace issues.

It is also imperative that you clear away any flammable items like paint, paint thinners, bottles of gasoline, sawdust, laundry soap, and scraps of wood. If you plan to store chemical solutions in the same vicinity as your furnace, make sure they are kept in airtight containers. Be sure to clear the clutter away from your furnace year-round, not just when it is in use.

Change Filters

Change your furnace filter for optimal furnace health. An unclean or broken filter can negatively impact your furnace’s ability to function. A clean filter allows your furnace to run seamlessly and stops dust from accumulating in your home. It is recommended that you change your furnace filter once a month or once every other month. 

If you have pets or engage in activities that affect the air quality of your home, such as smoking, it is best to change your furnace filter multiple times a month. You can look up how-to videos online to learn about changing a furnace filter, or you can contact a heating specialist and have them change your filter for you. If you have any doubts whatsoever about how to safely change the filter, we ask that you contact your local professional. This guarantees everything is done properly and all the necessary boxes are checked. 

Check Alarms & Detectors

If you have a furnace in your home, you should also have a fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector. These devices will notify you when your furnace is catching on fire, or when it is releasing carbon monoxide, which can be poisonous and deadly. It may be best to invest in alarms and detectors that are made of smart technology; smart alarms and detectors can send notifications to your phone about the status of your furnace, allowing you to monitor your furnace’s health and safety while you are away. Consider placing alarms and detectors in the same area as your furnace and throughout your entire house or apartment.

Contact Hammock’s AC 

If you have any questions about the furnace health and safety, call Hammock’s AC to speak with one of our seasoned technicians. We can inform, inspect, or repair any cooling or heating system in most cases quickly. These are just a few examples of frequently how to improve air conditioning unit efficiency. To find out more, please contact us to learn more about what to expect when replacing your HVAC.