As a first-time homeowner, you're probably already dealing with a lot of learning curves. There are a lot of things to think about and to remember when you own your home because repairs, maintenance, and general care all fall on you. One of the things that many new homeowners lack is a thorough understanding of furnace and heating system safety. Here's a look at some of the things that your heating services contractor wants you to know about staying safe with your home's heating system.
Keep It Clean
For many homeowners, the furnace is out of sight and out of mind until it stops working. This often means that the furnace doesn't get cleaned as regularly as it should. You need to keep your furnace clean and free of dust and debris around the blower motor and fan as well as the air intake.
That means not only replacing the air filter with a new, clean one on a regular basis but also cleaning the furnace itself to eliminate any dust buildup. Especially in homes with pets and kids, you should vacuum around your furnace and inside the furnace enclosure monthly. Failure to keep the furnace clean can lead to excessive dust accumulation which could be a fire hazard.
Keep It Clear
The area around your furnace needs to remain clear to ensure adequate airflow and safety. Sometimes, in the warm weather season, kids may start playing outside the furnace enclosure door or your pets may begin napping there. This isn't ideal because anything too close to the furnace can be a fire hazard, and can pose a serious injury risk.
Another part of keeping your furnace clean is ensuring clear airflow through your house. That means not closing off any of the air vents. When you close some of the air vents in your home while your furnace is running, you risk causing the furnace to build up excessive heat because it can't actually exhaust that hot air sufficiently. That means that keeping the unit clear includes clear airflow.
Keep It Serviced
In addition to keeping your furnace clean and clear for adequate airflow, you also need to keep the furnace properly serviced and maintained. This includes a comprehensive inspection, clearing out the fuel injection port, and ensuring that the blower fan and other components are adequately lubricated, clean, and functioning as they should.
Talk with a heating services technician near you today for more advice about safe furnace operation.
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