Fall and winter are when most house fires happen and sometimes, those can be attributed to furnace issues or other electrical problems. Now that we’ve officially entered the autumn season and the days are getting chillier, you’ll be reaching for the ‘on’ button for your furnace. But, before you do that, it’s essential to keep furnace safety in mind. Here are some important precautions to take as you aim to keep your home warm and secure this fall.
Schedule your professional furnace maintenance appointment.
A professional inspection by our experienced and licensed HVAC technicians at Specialty Heating and Cooling ensures your furnace is safe to use. Our certified technicians will clean and inspect the unit, check for any worn or broken parts, and make sure it’s ready to run at optimum efficiency. Yearly maintenance not only extends the life of your furnace, but it also helps identify any prospective hazards before they become real problems or emergencies. Tune up appointments are well worth it and an important part of being a responsible home or business owner.
Check smoke alarm batteries and install carbon monoxide detectors.
It’s a fact: smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are life-saving. But it can be easy to forget about changing their batteries regularly and testing them to make sure they work reliably. So, as we head into the rest of October, set a reminder to check these around your home, then check them every month or every other month after that. This can give you peace knowing that in the event of an emergency, you’ll stay safe and be able to get outside. Need a new carbon monoxide detector? We can help with that. Contact us to learn more.
Don’t ignore unusual sounds or smells.
When your furnace turns on, take note of any unusual sounds or smells. If you hear banging, rattling, or whistling, or notice any strange odors like burning or gas, turn off the unit immediately and call our team of specialists at Specialty Heating and Cooling. These may indicate mechanical issues or gas leaks that require immediate attention.
Get rid of dusty or clogged air filters.
Dirty or clogged filters limit airflow, making your furnace work harder. This causes spikes in energy bills and over time will cause greater wear and tear on the system. We recommend cleaning or replacing air filters in your furnace every other month, or more often if you have pets or smoke in the home. Fresh filters in the autumn are a great way to ensure you have clean air circulating throughout your space.
Keep areas around the furnace clear and free from flammable items.
Your furnace needs space to operate safely. Don’t store boxes, cleaners, paint, gasoline, oil, or other flammable products on or near the furnace. This minimizes your fire risk and will allow for proper ventilation all season long.
Now is the perfect time to make sure your furnace is in an ideal working condition. Once you know it’s ready to turn on, you’ll be able to sit back and relax comfortably – and safely – in your warm home this autumn.
Need a new furnace installation? Call us today to schedule your free quote. Need a repair or professional tune-up? We look forward to helping with those, too. You can trust our four decades in the heating and cooling industry in Oregon. Our track record of success serving businesses and residential customers speaks for itself. Contact us now, and we’ll help you stay comfortable all year long!