Operating A Gas Furnace Requires Safety Precautions

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Operating a gas furnace may not seem very difficult, and it isn’t necessarily. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be careful. The nights are about to turn colder now that winter is almost here. This means you’ll be kicking on your furnace to heat your home during those cold winter nights. Make sure that you follow these safety tips when operating a gas furnace in your home:

  • Obstructions – Check your outdoor vents and make sure nothing is obstructing them. Obstructions can inclgas furnaces yuma arizonaude anything from shrubs to animal nests. The furnace needs to properly vent, especially since it produces small amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), which can be lethal in sufficient amounts in an enclosed area. Also check your return air registers and heating vents to make sure they’re clear.
  • CO detectors – Make sure you have CO detectors properly installed on all levels of your house. Because CO is a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas, it can do its deadly work before anyone realizes. Make sure you have a CO detector near all sleeping areas, as well.
  • Gas – Natural gas or propane leaks should be easily recognizable, since the odorless gas contains trace amounts of an element that has a distinctive rotten-egg smell. Call your gas company if you notice a leak. If you can’t reach them, call your local emergency line.
  • Furnace space – Make sure that the area around your furnace is clear. Don’t pile up storage boxes or furniture nearby. And don’t put anything that’s combustible anywhere near the furnace.
  • Inspection – The best way to ensure that your furnace is running safely and efficiently is by scheduling a furnace inspection. A contractor will clean and replace any necessary parts, and check all components of your HVAC system for efficiency and safety.

Follow these tips when you’re operating a gas furnace in order to ensure the safety of your family and home. Please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company for the best HVAC service in the Yuma area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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