We don’t talk about safety enough in this blog, and with a new year comes a new resolution! For 2020 we’d like to take a moment to address some serious concerns when it comes to gas furnaces that we work on. Don’t panic, these systems aren’t inherently dangerous, but with months or years of neglect, they can eventually become health and safety hazards.
So, we’re going to go through a brief checklist that you can use to inspect your furnace for any glaring problems. Obviously, this list won’t be as comprehensive or as effective as the maintenance and inspection that a professional technician would provide, but these are nonetheless helpful tips to keep in mind. Furnaces in Hammond, LA should be kept clean, safe, and effective so that you aren’t endangering yourself or your property—while also making sure you’re not paying a huge amount for fuel bills.
Let’s take a look, shall we?
Safety and Efficiency
These are the most important things when inspecting a neglected or aging furnace. First and foremost comes safety, since a cracked heat exchanger can lead to a gas or carbon monoxide leak which can be extremely dangerous. Secondly, if your system isn’t running efficiently, you might start paying more for the same heat output. These can be signals that you need a replacement furnace in the future.
- Keep your furnace clean. While this may just seem like a good housekeeping tip, this is also a safety tip as well. Remember that your furnace is producing heat via combustion, so it’s generally a good idea to keep anything flammable away from the system. Make sure there are at least two feet around your furnace that’s cleared and swept.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, then we ask that you immediately get some installed. For those that already do, check your detectors to make sure they are on and have fresh batteries. These are your first line of defense against carbon monoxide leaks which can be extremely dangerous.
- Follow your nose. If you detect any strange odors coming from your gas furnace, there could be a gas leak coming from a crack in your heat exchanger. Don’t hesitate, exit your home and contact a professional immediately. Natural gas is flammable and can be a fire hazard when it leaks.
- Replace your air filter. While less of a safety issue and more of an efficiency one, this tip can still help you avoid a breakdown or other issue. The air filter in your furnace can get clogged, leading to restricted airflow into the system and an increase in stress. Replacing the air filter ensures that your system is running efficiently while also safely without overheating or increasing stress and fuel consumption.
If you’re running into problems continuously, don’t hesitate to contact a professional from a team like ours to take a closer look. Your furnace doesn’t have to be your sole burden, especially when there are specialists with training and qualifications out there that can provide help where it’s needed.
Have questions about your problematic furnace? When you need it done right, call Professional Heating & Air.