With a modern and well-maintained furnace in your South Elgin home, you can stay warm and comfortable all winter long. However, before you fire your heater up for the first time of the season, there are several important steps to take. With the following furnace safety tips, you can avoid some of the most common heating hazards.
1. Get Rid of Accumulated Dust
Your furnace should never emit a dry, dusty, burning smell when it’s first turned on. If it does, it’s probably because it’s accumulated a considerable amount of dirt, dust, lint, and other debris during the warmer months of the year. Not only can these buildups lead to a pervasive and unpleasant smell whenever the heater is in use, but they’ll also increase the risk of a heater fire. Take the time to vacuum around and inside of your furnace thoroughly before turning it on.
2. Change Your Furnace Filter
Make sure that the air filter in your HVAC system is fresh and clean. This component should be changed about once every one to three months. If you use your HVAC equipment every day, change the filter monthly. A dirty, clogged filter will make your heater overwork. This can lead to higher than normal energy bills, decreased home comfort, and an increased risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
3. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
One of the greatest safety risks of using nearly all home heating systems is the potential for a carbon monoxide leak. This gas is both odorless and colorless. It can make building residents severely ill, and if carbon monoxide leaks aren’t caught and corrected right away, they can also be fatal. Take the time to test all carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, and replace their batteries as needed.
The absolute best way to ensure the safety of your home heating equipment is by scheduling a fall or winter furnace tune-up. At Cool Operator, we offer a large selection of HVAC services for residents of the greater South Elgin area. In addition to furnace maintenance, we also provide comprehensive heating and cooling services, duct cleaning, indoor air quality services, and humidifiers. Call us to day to ask about our latest HVAC products or to schedule an appointment.
