There’s no way to make it through Vaughan’s cold winters without a well-running furnace. But pay careful attention to those words “well-running.” When you have a furnace that’s not properly installed and taken care of, you’re likely to face expensive, inconvenient breakdowns. Worse still, your furnace might even be dangerous.
Find out more about potential furnace hazards and how to protect your home with our 4 top furnace safety tips.
Potential Furnace Hazards
1. Incorrect Installation
Even the best, most efficient furnace will not work right unless it has been correctly installed by an experienced heating and cooling professional. An unskilled furnace installation will be apt to work less efficiently and require more frequent repair. It can also result in natural gas leakage … with potentially fatal consequences.
2. Risk Of Explosion
The majority of Ontarians use natural gas powered furnaces. While heating with gas is usually affordable, effective, and safe, gas furnaces do carry a risk of leaks and explosion if not properly installed and maintained. Two dangerous issues that must be repaired ASAP are a combustion problem or a cracked heat exchanger. An early sign of this is when your furnace frequenting turns off and on.
In addition, if you smell an odour of rotten eggs, that is a warning sign of a possible gas leak; leave the house and call 911 or your gas company’s emergency number immediately.
3. Risk Of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, scentless deadly gas, frighteningly known as the “silent killer.” As a byproduct of incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide may occur when your furnace is not properly maintained.
Sorry to scare you, but we are talking about serious dangers to your home and your health here. Fortunately, there is a fairly simple way you can avoid these hazards. Get your furnace tuned up professionally. Having a qualified Toronto HVAC technician to repair your furnace will nip potential problems in the bud. Your furnace will work better, last longer, and help keep you and your family safe and warm.
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Find out more about this essential household task, plus a few protective measures you can take yourself:
1. Have Your Furnace Professionally Inspected And Tuned Up
Make an appointment every year to have your furnace checked, cleaned, and repaired as necessary. A simple routine service call for furnace maintenance is well worth the time and cost. Regular furnace inspection and tuneup will pay for itself in terms of improved heating efficiency and energy savings. And the main benefit – your peace of mind – will be priceless.
2. Install Carbon Monoxide and Gas Leak Detectors
Safeguard your home and family. Install detectors that will let you know if you have a gas leak or a dangerously high level of carbon monoxide. (If you don’t have smoke alarms yet, get those installed too!) Check the manufacturer’s directions to see how many you’ll need for your home size and where they should be placed. Finally, remember to change the batteries regularly – twice a year is recommended.
3. Allow For A 3-Foot Clearance Around The Furnace
Make sure that there is 3 feet of clear space around the furnace. This is essential for two reasons: It allows the unrestricted airflow which your furnace needs to function optimally and it provides room for furnace repair personnel to do their job.
4. Keep Your Furnace Clean And Clear
While amateur furnace repair tends to be a really bad idea, a little DIY maintenance will actually help. Change or clean your furnace filter at least every three months. Keep the furnace area clean by sweeping and dusting regularly. Move anything that might be blocking the air intake vents and never store combustible items (such as leftover paint) in your furnace room.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance By The Experts
Keep your furnace working safely. Contact Husky for skilled, reliable furnace maintenance. Your peace of mind – and your family’s safety – is worth it.