The Fundamentals Of Heating Services And Safety
Many homeowners take their home heating systems for granted and fail to give it the safety considerations that it requires. Unfortunately, this can lead to injuries, heating system failures, and worse. The good news is that there are some things that you can do to help keep your furnace not only running its best but also safe from potential hazards. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to consider.
Keep The Filters Clean
One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, measures of safety for your furnace is keeping the air filtration system clean. Your furnace air filters must be kept clean because they are responsible for ensuring clean, consistent airflow into the furnace. Without sufficient airflow, the furnace may overheat, resulting in a thermal shutdown or even the potential for cracking the heat exchanger. Most furnace systems need a new filter either monthly or every three months. Talk with your heating services technician about how often your furnace needs new filters.
Ensure Consistent Air Delivery
In addition to the air filters that regulate airflow into your furnace, you also need to ensure that you have sufficient airflow OUT of the unit, too. That means keeping all of your heating system air vents open so that warm air flows out of the system the way that it's intended to. If you close any of the vents, you can create a section where warm air accumulates and backs up the system, potentially overheating the furnace.
Maintain Your System
At least once a year, you should schedule an inspection and cleaning of your furnace, ideally before the cold weather sets in. That way, your entire heating system gets a thorough inspection, cleaning, and the necessary preparation to ensure consistent, reliable operation for the cold weather season.
This appointment is also important for safety. Cleaning the furnace removes any debris, soot, dust, or other particles that may have accumulated in the burner box, which will ensure that your furnace is safe to run without any fear of unwanted combustion or carbon monoxide issues.
Clear The Area
Finally, even if the kids or pets in your home have become used to sitting near the furnace closet during the warm seasons, you need to enforce a clear safety zone around that furnace closet during the fall and winter months. Make sure that the entire area around the furnace closet is kept clear within several feet to either side and out in front of it. This reduces the risk of combustion and ensures clear space for air intake as well.
Talk with a local heating services contractor today for more information about ways to ensure the safety of your furnace. Look into furnace repair near you.