You depend on your gas furnace to stay warm and toasty during the coldest months of the year. Regular maintenance is vital to its general heating functionality, but it’s also important to ensure a few safety measures are in place when you’re using any type of appliance that burns fuel. Here's how to maintain a safe home when staying warm this fall and winter.

How to Promote Gas Furnace Safety in the Home

1. Replace the Air Filter

The air filter is designed to trap the harmful particulates that would otherwise circulate through the ducts and your indoor air, including dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, dirt, and debris. Not only will a clogged filter fail to trap further contaminants that come into the home, but it will also block airflow from the furnace, making it work harder than it should.

This may lead the heat exchanger to overheat and potentially crack. This is a serious safety threat since a crack invites harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide to leak inside the home. A new filter should be inserted at least once every three months. If you own pets or have family members who experience asthma or allergies, a monthly replacement may be more advisable.

2. Maintain a Clear Space

The space around your gas furnace should be completely free of obstructions. Potentially combustible items, such as cans of paint and stacks of paper, shouldn’t be placed anywhere in the vicinity of the heating appliance. Keeping at least 3 feet of space around it will allow your HVAC contractor to perform annual maintenance easily and reduce the risk of a fire.

3. Clean the Area Regularly

In addition to avoiding combustibles, keep the area surrounding the gas furnace as clean as possible. Otherwise, contaminants like dust and lint could accumulate on and around the unit, eventually posing a fire hazard. 

For the best results, vacuum the floor space around the furnace regularly and dust off the exterior of the unit. While doing this, check the color of the burner flame. When the unit works properly, it will appear blue. If it looks yellow or orange, contact an HVAC contractor. This could be a sign that the unit requires cleaning. 

If your gas furnace hasn't been cleaned or checked for safety in a while, turn to Comfort Tech Heating and Air Conditioning in Thomasville, NC. Proudly serving homeowners throughout Davidson County since 1994, the cooling and heating professionals offer a wide range of home comfort services, including HVAC upgrades, repairs, and annual maintenance. Call (336) 472-5858 to schedule an appointment, and mention the website to receive $20 off your service. Refer a friend who purchases an HVAC installation and get a $50 Visa gift card.