Annual preventive maintenance of your furnace by a qualified HVAC professional will prolong its life and ensure safe and efficient operation. The best time to have your furnace tuned up is in early autumn, before the heating season is in full swing. A qualified HVAC professional will conduct a furnace safety check that includes the following key points:
- Check your system for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
- Tighten electrical and gas connections to eliminate fire and health hazards.
- Lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and keep your electricity costs down.
- Check system controls to ensure your system starts, operates and shuts off properly.
- Check the gas pressure and burner combustion to ensure safe operation.
- Measure the current and voltage on the motor for safety and efficiency.
- Check the blower assembly for proper operation.
Between annual tune-ups, there are several things you can do to help ensure the safety of your family while operating your heating system:
- Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor in your home. One should be in close proximity to your main sleeping area. Place CO detectors at the level specified by the manufacturer of that particular detector.
- Push the test button on your CO and smoke detectors every six months to ensure they’re working properly. Replace the batteries every year.
- Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness. If you suspect CO poisoning, move to fresh air immediately and call 911.
- Store flammable materials at least 15 feet away from your furnace and other fuel-burning appliances.
- Know where your gas shutoff valve is located and keep the area clean and accessible.
- Post the emergency phone number for your gas company on your furnace and call immediately if you smell gas around the unit. If you can’t reach your gas company, call 911 and evacuate the house.
For more expert advice on keeping your family safe this heating season, or to schedule a furnace safety check with one of our highly qualified HVAC professionals, please contact us at Arpi’s Industries. We’re always happy to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace safety checks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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