Tips for Furnace Safety

A furnace plays a big part in making a house a home, giving its inhabitants a warm welcome when they step in from the cold. The furnace is also usually tucked away in a corner of the basement which means that it isn’t really thought about much – unless something goes wrong. Neglecting your furnace is a bad habit to have, especially since a malfunctioning furnace can create a serious safety hazard and pose a threat to you and your loved ones. Read to learn about the various warning signs to look out for along with essential furnace safety tips that every homeowner should know. 

Furnace Distress Signals

Get in touch with a professional furnace repair service immediately if you notice any of the warning signs listed below. 

 

• Cycling on and off: Your furnace cycling on and off frequently could be due to a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a problem with the blower motor.

• Yellow burner flame: If you notice that the burner flame on your furnace is yellow instead of blue, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the combustion process. This could be due to a dirty burner or a lack of oxygen. However, it’s normal for the tip of the flame to be yellow.

• Strange noises: If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, such as banging or rattling sounds, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with the system. This could be due to loose parts, a problem with the ignition, or a malfunctioning blower motor. 

• Pilot light issues: If you notice that the pilot light on your furnace is frequently going out, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with the system. This could be due to a dirty burner or a malfunctioning thermocouple. 

• Carbon monoxide detector alarm: If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it means that there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. This gas is odorless and colorless and can cause serious health problems if not detected early.  

• Rusted flue: A rusted flue is another warning sign that your furnace needs repair. The flue is responsible for venting dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide out of your home. If it is rusted, it could be leaking these gases back into your home.

 

Another sign that shows that your furnace isn’t working as well as it should is if your utility bills are much higher than they should be – gas prices not withstanding of course! 

Furnace Safety Tips

Now that you know what signs to look out for, here are a few tips that should help you keep your home safe and your furnace running in top condition.

 

• Designate a Safe Zone: Designate a safe zone around your furnace. Keep the floor around the furnace clean of any items, including old furnace parts. Restrict access to the area if you have children and/or pets. 

• Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors:  Make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed and test them regularly to make sure they are working.

• Keep Vents Clear: Make sure that the vents around your home are clear and unobstructed by furniture or other items. 

• Keep the Furnace Room Clean and Operational: It may sound like a lot of work, but make sure you dust and clean around the furnace area when you clean your home. This will keep the furnace relatively free of dust and lint, helping it function better. Make sure the light in the furnace room is working so it’s easy to see when there’s an emergency. 

• Storage: Do not store flammable items like paint thinners or gasoline anywhere close. Don’t store kitty litter or their litter boxes near the furnace either as it can release ammonia fumes that corrode your furnace heat exchanger. It can be tempting to prop things up against a furnace but avoid doing so as it can create a huge fire hazard.

• Maintenance is Key: Replace your furnace filter regularly as instructed by the manufacturer to ensure proper airflow. Inspect your furnace system for signs of rust and have them attended to immediately. Schedule regular inspections and tune-ups for your furnace. Fall is a great time to prep your heating and have your furnace serviced. Regular maintenance will help prevent unnecessary repair bills.

 

Get in touch and schedule your heating systems maintenance visit to stay safe and warm during the fall and winter today!