As fall weather settles in and the days and nights become cooler, you’ll start relying on your furnace to keep you warm. This time of year is often when there’s an increase of house fires. That’s because homeowners are inside more often, electricity is almost always being used, and problems can happen. Here are some important furnace safety tips to keep in mind.
Get your heating system professionally tuned up.
One of the most important parts of keeping your furnace operating safely is with regular tune up appointments. First, we will make sure the filters are cleaned and that the system is operating efficiently. Next – and most importantly – we will do a thorough inspection of the internal components as well as the outside unit to ensure there are no electrical issues or other parts that pose a safety hazard. Professional maintenance helps prolong the life of the system and gives you peace of mind knowing it won’t break down during a cold day.
Keep vents unobstructed.
Your heating vents or registers help usher in that wonderful warm air on a cool autumn day. Make sure that you don’t block or cover vents. Covering them with rugs, furniture, curtains, or other fabrics and material not only restricts airflow, but it can also cause the furnace to work harder. This can put additional strain on the machine, causing it to get hot or causing specific parts to break.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors can save your life. However, testing them to make sure they work reliably is one of those home maintenance to-dos that many people forget about. Set a reminder to check these around your home monthly or bi-monthly. That way, if there is an emergency, you can stay safe and get out quickly. Need a new carbon monoxide detector? We can help with that. Contact us to learn more.
Keep flammable products away from your furnace unit.
Don’t store cleaners, paint, gasoline, oil, or other flammable products on or near the furnace. This could pose a real danger that could not only damage your furnace, but your home and the people inside of it, too.
Our Pacific Northwest autumns are gorgeous. It’s wonderful to have a reliable furnace system in place so you can stay warm and comfortable and enjoy the changing fall scenery out your window. Does your furnace need a tune-up or repair? Our experienced and licensed technicians can help with that. Perhaps your furnace has served you well for more than a decade and it’s time to replace it for something safer and more energy efficient.
Call us today to schedule your free quote or to make an appointment for a repair or tune-up. We look forward to keeping you comfortable all season long!
