HOW TO START YOUR FURNACE SAFELY

AVOID SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FURNACE DANGERS.

When winter weather arrives, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is start your furnace. But if you haven’t taken the correct precautions prior to turning it on for the first time in months, you could be exposing yourself and your family to unnecessary dangers that have dire consequences. So, before you turn on your furnace for the first time this winter, make sure you’ve taken the correct steps to ensure the safety of your home, your family, and the furnace itself. Breakdowns and repairs can be avoided, after all.

FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS BEFORE YOU START YOUR FURNACE.

1. HAVE THE FURNACE INSPECTED

Paying for an inspection and tune-up might seem unnecessary if you’ve gotten by without them before, but the older your furnace gets, the more it will benefit from professional maintenance. After all, taking the proactive approach to maintenance is usually far cheaper than taking the reactive approach to repairs. Maintenance will often catch problems before they turn into huge issues and can help you save money in the long run, while also ensuring your furnace is all set to run safely and efficiently throughout the winter.

2. MAKE SOME SPACE

If your furnace is located in an area also used for storage, like your attic or a closet, make sure you’re keeping at least two feet of space clear around it—more, if the items nearby are flammable. You should also consider cleaning the furnace with a vacuum cleaner to rid it of lint, dust, and other buildup that could become a fire hazard over time.

3. CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS

Clean air filters not only improve the air quality in your home—promoting better health—but also make it easier for your furnace to do its job. A dirty filter will impede airflow and make your furnace work harder to heat your home, ultimately reducing its effectiveness and longevity.

4. CHECK YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

Malfunctioning furnaces are one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide deaths, so make sure you have multiple carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. You should also check your smoke detectors and make sure one is hooked up close to your furnace, just in case a furnace fire starts. Investing in regular furnace maintenance can further reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide leaks.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE CAN HELP YOU MINIMIZE THE DANGERS.

There’s no shortage of furnace dangers, but professional maintenance and tune-ups can minimize them to keep your home and your family safe. Contact the pros at EcoEdge Systems for assistance before you turn your heater on for the first time this season.