How to Prevent a Furnace Disaster This Winter

Most people think of their furnaces as safe, and in just about every case, they are. But there are some situations with your furnace that can turn into disaster if you don’t work to prevent them. Here are some things to watch out for to prevent a furnace disaster in your Durham home this winter.

Gas leak

Not all furnaces use natural gas as fuel, but many do. Natural gas is extremely flammable, so any kind of a leak is potential disaster waiting to happen. Be sure to be on the alert for any smell of natural gas. If you do smell natural gas around your furnace, check to make sure the pilot light is on. If it isn’t, you need to relight it as quickly as possible. If your pilot light is on and you still smell gas, you should shut off your furnace and call a professional to come take a look.

Carbon monoxide leak

Unlike a gas leak, which provides a tell-tale smell, carbon monoxide has no smell. It also has no taste and doesn’t produce a cloud you can see, which is why it can be so deadly. A crack or leak in your heat exchanger or a crack or blockage in your flue can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, and these are not problems that the average homeowner can find on his or her own. The best way to detect a carbon monoxide leak is with a carbon monoxide detector device. You should have one of these on every level of your home, and it’s extremely important to have one in your furnace room.

Dirt and debris

Any dirt and debris that gets into your furnace is a potential fire hazard, so you need to make sure your furnace is clean and free of obstructions both inside and out. Replace your air filter after each season and vacuum around and inside your furnace at least a couple of times a year. Also make sure that the floor area around your furnace is free of any flammable materials, such as boxes and stacks of paper.

Proper maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent a furnace disaster is to have your furnace serviced once a year by a Durham certified HVAC tech. Such a professional will be able to find any potential problems before they cause a disaster.

Don’t suffer from a furnace disaster in your Durham, NC home this season. Call Green Horizon at (919) 323-8705 and get assistance now.