Some homeowners feel nervous about using natural gas in their homes, even though natural gas is one of the most widespread energy sources for residential buildings. Natural gas does present potential safety hazards, such as uncontrolled combustion and exposure to toxic carbon monoxide, which is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels like natural gas. But when it comes to natural gas appliances, proper precautions and safety measures can reduce possible dangers to extremely low probabilities.
This applies to the gas furnace in your home. To directly answer the question in the title, you don’t need to worry about your gas furnace’s safety as long as you pay the proper attention to the services necessary to keep it working safely.
Maintenance is the most essential part of gas furnace safety
If you only take away one thing from this post, it should be that gas furnaces require annual professional maintenance. This is the best way to prevent safety problems, and it also helps the furnace work at its best and most energy-efficient throughout the winter.
When you schedule maintenance for your furnace (and we recommend doing it in the fall before the furnace has to start doing the majority of its work), trained HVAC professionals will give the furnace a complete inspection to see if there are any problems or brewing issues that might make the heater run unsafely. Technicians will carefully examine the heat exchanger to look for signs of corrosion or cracking, which can allow carbon monoxide to leak into the household air. They will also inspect the gas lines for leaks, check gas pressure, and ensure the flame sensor responsible for shutting off gas flow in case the burners don’t light is working properly.
If the technicians find anything amiss, they can either fix it on the spot if possible or help you arrange for the necessary repairs. In cases of extremely old furnaces (older than 15 years), they may recommend a replacement.
You can take several safety steps on your own
Although maintenance is the essential step for keeping your furnace running safely, there are several precautions we recommend you take to avoid potential hazards:
- Keep the area around the furnace clear of objects. Pay special attention to anything flammable, such as paint thinner, and keep it far away from the furnace.
- Have CO detectors installed in your house if you don’t have them already. This is a vital warning system to alert you to carbon monoxide leaks.
- Arrange for repairs for the furnace as soon as you notice anything wrong with it. The trouble may not seem like a hazard, but it could lead to one. Always be on the safe side.
- In any situation where you suspect a furnace problem, shut off the furnace at the furnace switch until the problem is resolved.
Whatever heater service in Green, OH you require for a safe and warm winter, you can depend on our expert technicians. We are here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reach out to Crown Group Ohio for furnace repairs, maintenance, and more. Your Comfort Experts Since 1963.