It’s winter here in Texas and the temperature drop will cause most to go running to their thermostat to turn on their furnace and get some much-needed warmth. Here are some tips to make sure you practice safety when using your furnace:
1. Maintenance/Annual Check-Ups
Be sure to schedule your annual furnace safety inspection in order to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape and ready to take on the winter. Although everything may seem to be running alright with your furnace, there could be a dangerous underlying issue that can lead to unwanted consequences such as the heat going out or carbon monoxide gas leakage.
2. Test/Install Fire and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Be sure to replace batteries on your carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms every year. Carbon monoxide is an invisible odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can be present when there is a malfunction in your HVAC system and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including being deadly. If you do not have alarms, consider installing them to help keep everyone in the house safe.
3. Keep Flammable Items Away
Clear any items that could catch fire from heat away from your furnace. During the summer, debris and flammable items may have gotten gathered around your HVAC system. Be sure to take note of this and clear anything that may be of risk.
4. Replace your Filter
If you have not changed your filter recently, it can cause your system to be at risk for a breakdown. This can be problematic during the winter, as that valuable heat could be gone in an instant!
5. Ventilation
There may be certain vents that are blocked or closed within your home. Although it may seem like a good idea to save money, it is very important for your furnace to be able to flow air throughout your home. When a vent is closed, it can cause your furnace to work overtime to heat everything evenly and can lead to breakdowns. It can also lead to leaks in your air ducts, which can cause mold. In bad cases, it can crack the heat exchanger and lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home.
6. Furnace Safety Rules
When you have family members, especially little ones, in your household it is important to make everyone aware of Furnace safety rules. Sit down and have a conversation so that everyone knows safety precautions and furnace safety guidelines. Make sure children know not to play anywhere near heating equipment. In case any issue was to arises, such as a fire, be sure everyone in the household knows what to do so that everyone stays safe.
Have more questions about furnace safety tips and how to keep everyone safe this winter? Simply call today and we can help with the answers you need.
No matter what happens, we are here for you at BVS Home Experts. We have experienced technicians standing by 24/7 (yes, even on holidays!) so that we can help you when a problem arises. Make sure your home is comfortable all year long. Contact BVS Home Experts today to restore your comfort.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
