As cold weather sweeps across Southeast Michigan, your furnace becomes one of the most essential appliances in your home. It’s what keeps your family warm and comfortable throughout the winter. However, like any appliance, furnaces must be operated safely to avoid risks. This blog explores some common furnace hazards and how to address them.
5 Hazards To Look Out For
Gas furnaces are usually safe and reliable but can pose certain dangers if neglected. Here are the top five safety concerns to be aware of.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
One of the most dangerous furnace issues is a cracked heat exchanger. Stress causes these cracks because this component expands and contracts as it heats. A damaged heat exchanger may leak carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly if it accumulates in your home.
Gas Leaks
Natural gas is flammable and explosive under certain conditions. If the smell of gas is faint and only detectable around your furnace, there’s probably no cause for alarm. However, any gas smell near your air vents or throughout your home requires immediate attention. Shut off the gas supply and evacuate your home. Then, call the fire department, your utility provider, and a heating service company.
Dirty Burners
The burners must ignite to begin the heating process. Over time, soot and debris can build up on the burners, reducing efficiency and preventing the furnace from igniting properly. Dirty burners can also cause incomplete combustion, which produces carbon monoxide.
Overcrowding
Many homeowners use their utility areas for storage, but overcrowding the space around your furnace creates a fire risk. Always maintain a 3-foot clearance, and never store flammable materials such as boxes, papers, and cleaning supplies near the furnace.
Blocked Flue Pipe
The flue pipe vents toxic combustion gases outside. If bird nests, snow, or other debris block the flue pipe, these gases may flow back inside. This dangerous situation, known as back drafting, could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
How To Address Furnace Hazards if You Find Them
If you notice these safety hazards, act quickly to restore safety. Here’s what to do:
- Turn off the furnace: If you suspect a gas leak, carbon monoxide leak, or severe furnace malfunction, shut off the system immediately. Locate your home’s gas valve and turn it off to prevent further danger.
- Check the air filter: If your furnace isn’t heating correctly or has started short-cycling, a clogged air filter might be to blame. Replace the filter and see if that resolves the issue. Keeping up with this maintenance task every one to three months can prevent many furnace problems.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors: Since carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, a working detector is the only way to know it’s there. Ensure your home has functional detectors on every floor and outside sleeping areas.
- Call a professional: Many furnace hazards, like a cracked heat exchanger or gas leak, require a certified HVAC technician to inspect and repair the damage. Don’t attempt to fix these issues yourself.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Preventive maintenance is the key to avoiding furnace hazards. Hire a licensed technician to inspect your furnace once a year, allowing them to catch issues early and ensure your system is running safely.
Call Robin Aire Today for Furnace Services in Southeast Michigan
At Robin Aire Service Company, we deliver honest, quality service backed by 40 years of experience. Our highly trained, background-checked technicians are dedicated to keeping your home safe and comfortable. Whatever furnace services you require, you can trust us to do the job right.
Contact us online today to schedule furnace services in the Southeast MI region.
