Don’t Wait for the Cold: 3 Essential Fall Furnace Safety Checks for Katy Homeowners
As the humidity of a Texas summer finally starts to fade, homeowners in Katy and West Houston are looking forward to those crisp autumn evenings. But before you turn your thermostat to “Heat” for the first time, there is one critical task to check off your list: ensuring your heating system is safe to operate.
A furnace safety check isn’t just about making sure you stay warm; it’s about protecting your family from hidden hazards like fire and gas leaks. To help you prepare for the season, the team at BVS Home Experts has put together the three most essential safety steps every homeowner should take this fall.
It might seem like a simple maintenance task, but your air filter is the first line of defense for furnace safety. Over the summer and during the dusty transition into fall, filters can become clogged with dander, pollen, and debris.
When a filter is dirty, it restricts airflow. This causes your furnace to work significantly harder, leading to overheating. In extreme cases, an overheated furnace can trigger a safety shut-off or, worse, become a fire hazard. Before the first cold snap hits, swap out your old filter for a fresh one to ensure your system can breathe—and heat—safely.
If you use a gas furnace, carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent but serious risk. Because CO is colorless and odorless, you cannot detect it without a functioning alarm. One of the most common causes of CO leaks in a furnace is a cracked heat exchanger, which can allow combustion gases to seep into your home’s air supply.
Before you fire up the heater, test every CO detector in your home and replace the batteries. If your detectors are more than 5–7 years old, it’s time to replace the units entirely. Understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide is vital for every Texas household, as it ensures you know the warning signs of exposure, such as dizziness or headaches.
Throughout the year, the area around your furnace often becomes a catch-all for storage. Whether it’s holiday decorations, old cardboard boxes, or cleaning supplies, flammable materials near your heating unit are a major safety risk.
Furnaces require adequate “combustion air” to operate properly and safely. Make sure there is at least a three-foot clearance around your unit. Remove any aerosol cans, gasoline, or rags soaked in oil from the furnace room, as the heat generated by the pilot light or burners can ignite fumes even without direct contact.
Why a Professional Tune-Up is Your Best Bet
While these DIY checks are a great start, some safety hazards can only be spotted by a trained eye. At BVS Home Experts, our NATE-certified technicians perform a comprehensive furnace safety check that includes inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, checking gas pressure, and ensuring all electrical connections are secure.
We know that your family’s safety can’t wait. That’s why we offer our Rest Easy Pledge™: we’ll be at your door in one hour or we’ll pay you $59 toward your repair!
Don’t leave your comfort to chance this winter. Schedule your professional furnace inspection service today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe, efficient home.
