As the weather starts to get colder, it’s important for homeowners to make sure their furnace is in good working condition. Not only will this ensure that your home stays warm and comfortable, but it will also help prevent potential safety hazards. Here are some furnace safety tips that every homeowner should know.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the safety of your furnace is to schedule regular maintenance. This should be done at least once a year, ideally before the start of the heating season. During a maintenance check, a professional will inspect your furnace and make sure that it is in good working condition. They will also clean and adjust the furnace, which can help prevent potential safety hazards.

Change Your Air Filter

Another important step in maintaining your furnace is to change the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to. This can lead to decreased efficiency and even potential safety hazards, such as a fire. It’s recommended to change your air filter at least once a month during the heating season.

Keep the Area Around Your Furnace Clear

It’s also important to make sure that the area around your furnace is clear of any debris or flammable materials. This includes things like newspapers, boxes, and cleaning supplies. These items can easily catch fire if they are too close to your furnace. Make sure to keep a clear space of at least three feet around your furnace.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Furnaces are one of the most common sources of CO in homes. To protect yourself and your family, it’s important to install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and especially near the furnace. These detectors will alert you if there are dangerous levels of CO in your home.

Never Use Your Furnace for Cooking or Heating

Finally, it’s important to remember that your furnace is not designed to be used for cooking or heating. Using your furnace in this way can be extremely dangerous and can lead to a fire. Instead, use your stove or oven for cooking and a space heater for additional heat.

In conclusion, maintaining your furnace and keeping it in good working condition is important for the safety of your home. By scheduling regular maintenance, changing your air filter, keeping the area around your furnace clear, installing carbon monoxide detectors, and not using your furnace for cooking or heating, you can help ensure the safety of your home and the comfort of your family during the colder months. To know more about Furnace Safety Tips keep Following BlueSky Plumbing & Heating is a trusted and reliable company offering plumbing, drainage, heating and 24×7 emergency services in Greater Vancouver and Lower Mainland. We offer best customer service and quality for residential and commercial projects.