Reliable heating is an important part of staying comfortable and safe when temperatures reach their lowest. If you want to make sure your home and family stay safe, there are some common furnace mistakes to avoid.
The Danger of Using Your Furnace Room as a Storage Unit
You might think that sliding a few boxes of household items or a stack of old newspapers next to the unit is fine since space is tight. However, this is a major fire hazard. Furnaces need plenty of room for ventilation while they work. Additionally, these items can ignite from the heat or the tiny sparks that happen during a normal start-up cycle. Keep a clear circle of at least three feet around your heating system so that air can move freely and nothing gets too hot.
Ignoring the Early Warning Signs of Trouble
It’s easy to ignore an odd sound or smell coming from your furnace. As soon as you pick up on a weird noise or a foul odor while the furnace is running, it’s important to schedule a professional repair. A member of our team can determine what’s causing the issue and how to repair it.
Another serious mistake is ignoring your pilot light. If you see anything less than a steady blue flame, the fuel is not burning correctly. This puts your family at risk of getting carbon monoxide poisoning.
Forgetting to Change the Air Filter Regularly
Skipping regular filter changes places a lot of strain on your furnace, and that strain can easily cause a full-system breakdown. This added strain makes the internal parts get way too hot and can cause the heat exchanger to crack over time. A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most serious problems you can have. It allows deadly gases to enter your ductwork and circulate throughout your home. You should check that filter every thirty days to make sure it is clean and clear of debris
Thinking Your Detectors Are Always Working
Many families believe that they have protection because they have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. However, those detectors do not last forever. They can also fail without notice. Make sure you test your devices monthly and change the batteries when the clocks change. If you have a multi-story home, make sure you have a detector on each level.
Make sure you also schedule yearly inspections. If problems are lurking beneath the surface, this is the best way to find and fix them. If you have concerns or require furnace repair services, contact We Care Heating & Air Conditioning in Central GA and the FL Panhandle.
