Winter in Chesapeake, Virginia, can get quite chilly, which means you’re frequently using your furnace. While you can rely on your furnace to keep your home cozy and warm, it can also pose some safety hazards. Let’s discuss some ways that homeowners can improve the safety of their gas furnace.

Check Your Filter

While a clean filter helps your furnace operate more efficiently, it also makes it safer. You should check your filter once a month for dirt and debris and change it at least every 90 days — sooner if there’s noticeable debris. A clean filter will ensure that dust and allergens don’t pollute your air supply when you run your furnace. It can also prevent fires caused by excess debris.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Any home with a furnace should also have carbon monoxide detectors installed. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and you can’t detect it by the human eye. As a result, carbon monoxide leaks are especially deadly.

In addition to installing a detector, keep an eye on your furnace’s burner flame. The flame should always be blue. If the flame is orange or yellow, this could indicate that the furnace is releasing carbon monoxide into your home. If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, get out of the house and call an HVAC professional as soon as possible.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

One of the best things you can do for your furnace is to have it regularly maintained. During a routine maintenance check, an HVAC professional will clean and inspect each component of your furnace. Cleaning removes dust that can start fires and affect your home’s air quality. Inspection of components for wear and tear allows the service technician to detect leaks and other safety hazards. They can repair or replace worn out parts before they turn into a more costly and hazardous issue.

At Weather Makers, Inc., our team of professionals is here to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently. Call us today to schedule your next maintenance or repair service.

Image provided by iStock

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