Furnace Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

The furnace is one of your home’s most important appliances – without it, Charleston winters would be quite chilly and unpleasant.

However, it’s also one of the most potentially dangerous items in your home, relying on combustion. Meaning, it produces heat through a gas flame. If not properly maintained, they can pose dangers like fire or carbon monoxide leaks.

The good news? Preventing furnace-related accidents doesn’t require special knowledge – just a few simple steps. Use these furnace safety tips to keep your home warm, safe, and worry-free.

How to Avoid Common Furnace Dangers

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best thing you can do to keep your furnace safe and running is to schedule annual professional inspections. A heating technician can:

• Check for issues like cracks in the heat exchanger or damaged components.
• Clean critical parts to improve function and safety.

Be sure to replace your filter every 30 to 60 days, too! Clean filters preserve air quality and energy efficiency, and prevent overheating, which can lead to safety hazards.

2. Stay Alert to Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly if it leaks into your home. Properly functioning furnaces funnel CO outside through the heat exchanger, but problems, like a crack, can allow it to escape indoors.

To stay safe, be sure to:

• Install CO detectors near bedrooms and common areas to alert you of leaks.
• Monitor the pilot light. A yellow or orange flame could signal incomplete combustion and potential CO buildup.
• If you suspect a CO leak, turn off your furnace, ventilate the house by opening windows, and leave immediately to call 911.

3. Avoid Fire

The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly 50,000 furnace-related fires every year. Following critical fire hazard prevention furnace safety tips can help you avoid becoming a statistic.

To prevent a fire:

• Keep the area around the furnace clear. Never store flammable items like paper, wood, or gasoline stacked on top of or next to it.
• Turn off the furnace if you smell burning or hear popping noises. These are signs of a serious issue that needs professional attention.
• Ensure regular maintenance to address any mechanical issues that might spark a fire.

4. Familiarize Yourself with the Furnace

Take time to read your furnace’s owner’s manual to understand its safety features and how it works. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you spot issues early and avoid emergencies.

Call Anchor Heating & Air for Emergency Help

By following these furnace safety tips, you can reduce the risk of fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and other hazards while keeping your family safe. If you notice any signs of trouble – like unusual smells, sounds, or performance issues – don’t wait.

Call Anchor Heating & Air at (843) 564-7777 for fast, professional furnace repairs and maintenance. We’re here to keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long.