If you have a furnace or are considering getting one, it’s important to know a few things that can help keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency. While rare, especially with newer furnace models, you need to be prepared just in case. We go over how to use your furnace safely and reduce the risk of potential issues below.
Are Furnaces Dangerous?
Unfortunately, all gas burning appliances carry some level of inherent risk because of the nature of combusting fuel to create heat. These units also produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is a deadly gas that has no color, no smell, and few warning signs. This can be a health hazard if not vented properly.
The Importance of Good Furnace Safety Habits
Even though serious furnace problems are unlikely, it’s still critical to be aware of them so you can react quickly if needed. If you’re unfamiliar with what you should do or when you need to do it, you could end up making the situation worse instead of better.
Using Your Furnace Safely
To use your furnace as safely as possible, make sure you:
Have Good Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is key to make sure that harmful gases created during combustion are safely expelled. Start by keeping your furnace vents and exhaust flues clean and free of obstructions. You should also check them periodically for small animal nests, autumn leaves, and anything that could block air from passing through.
Know Your Furnace Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following indicators of a potential problem, swift action can help prevent high costs and more serious consequences:
- Your energy bills are going up without explanation
- You start hearing strange noises from your furnace
- The air coming out of your vents has an unpleasant odor
- Your furnace can’t keep your space at a steady temperature
Have an Emergency Response Plan
In the rare event that an emergency does occur, having a response plan in place that everyone who uses the space knows how to execute is imperative for your safety. Follow these steps or create your own:
Flip your furnace’s emergency switch
You should know where this is located and turn it off as soon as an emergency is identified.
Open your windows
If there’s time, opening windows and doors on your way out can reduce concentrations of harmful gases and reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
Evacuate your space
Make sure to identify multiple escape routes ahead of time and practice exiting them quickly so you know what to do if an evacuation ever becomes necessary.
Have important numbers on hand
It’s a good idea to have easy access to numbers you can call to reach your gas company and HVAC professional’s emergency lines.
The Role of Professional Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to keep furnace safety concerns at bay is to make sure your appliance is well maintained. All furnaces degrade as they sustain wear and tear over time, but good upkeep lowers the likelihood of critical issues.
Annual maintenance appointments can help identify worn parts and other problems early on, so you can get them fixed quickly before these issues escalate and become more expensive and difficult to repair. The last thing you want to have to deal with is a safety concern in the dead of winter, right when HVAC professionals are all booked up and nighttime temperatures are below zero.
Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up with Cape Cod Heat Pumps Today
Is it time for your furnace’s annual maintenance and tune-up appointment? Skip the winter rush and schedule yours now by contacting Cape Cod Heat Pumps today. Call 508-833-4822 or fill out our short contact form here, and we’ll help you get started.