Furnace Safety 101

What Can You Do to Keep Your Furnace Safe?

Although it’s rare for a furnace to catch on fire or leak carbon monoxide, these issues are possibilities. To prevent these problems from occurring, you should take a few safety measures. These include vacuuming the furnace, noticing when the pilot light has changed color, keeping items away from the furnace and scheduling annual maintenance.

Vacuum Dust Away From the Vents

Dust and pet dander collect on your vents and around the furnace. This lint and dust buildup could start a fire. You should vacuum the furnace and the vents once a month. Your manufacturer’s manual will explain how to clean and maintain the unit. If you have a wall furnace, remember to clean inside the burner compartment.

Pay Attention to the Pilot Light Color

A safe furnace will have a blue pilot light. If the pilot light is yellow or orange, then your furnace needs a professional cleaning or repair. KW Lang Mechanical in Solon is a trustworthy furnace repair company serving the Cleveland area.

Keep Flammable and Combustible Items Away From the Furnace

Never store paper, clothing, wood scraps, paint, gasoline and other flammable objects in front of a furnace. You shouldn’t even set an item in this area for even a few seconds. Keeping a clearance around your furnace not only keeps it safe but also maintains efficiency.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance Every Year

Furnace maintenance is essential for safety. Your furnace needs a tune-up once or twice a year to continue operating safely. Other benefits of annual maintenance include lower energy bills, greater heating capability and decreased furnace problems. Dust and lint that accumulate inside the furnace can cause various problems, such as fires. During a furnace tune-up, a professional will clean the internal components as well as inspect the system for parts that need to be replaced.

KW Lang Mechanical offers heating and cooling maintenance, repair and installation services for residents in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. If you want an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly system installed, we have green technology like geothermal systems available. Contact us today for a free quote on our services.