Winter brings with it some of the most beautiful sights and memories, but it also brings with it a slew of home safety issues. One thing that many homeowners overlook is their furnace repair service. Furnaces can be difficult to maintain, especially when the temperature drops outside. They are prone to malfunctions that can result in costly repairs or, worse, a home without heat during the coldest months of the year. Keep these furnace safety tips in mind this winter. To help you avoid this unfortunate situation, we’ve compiled some useful information on how furnaces work, what signs indicate they’re about to break down, and how you can use our best practices to keep your family safe.

The Importance Of Furnace Maintenance 

Regular maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to keep your furnace running safely and smoothly. This entails having a qualified technician inspect it at least once a year. Several critical components, such as filters, belts, motors, and flames, should be inspected. If any of these fail to function properly, dangerous fumes or other potentially harmful issues may result. Having a technician come out and perform routine maintenance on your furnace is always the safest option because they are trained professionals who know exactly what to look for in your specific furnace model. However, if this isn’t feasible due to financial constraints or simply not wanting someone in your home, there are some things you can do on a monthly basis to help keep it running smoothly.

How To Identify Furnace Problems 

Don’t wait until it’s too late if you notice any signs that your furnace isn’t working properly. There are several key indicators that something is wrong, and the majority of them have to do with how your furnace smells. If you smell gas, get out of the house immediately and call the police or fire department. This is a very dangerous situation that should not be underestimated. Strange sounds, such as buzzing or scraping, can also indicate a problem with your furnace. These are frequently indicators of metal on metal contact and usually indicate that something is wrong with the motor. If your heater ever shuts down unexpectedly, this could be another sign that something is wrong with it. While this may appear insignificant at first glance, keep in mind that furnaces are designed to turn on and off. If yours is turning itself off for no apparent reason, it could be due to a power outage or a problem with the thermostat.

Furnace Safety Warning Signs  

Aside from being aware of the signs that your furnace may be failing, it’s also critical to understand what kinds of symptoms to look for in order to keep your family safe. Excessive condensation on the windows, ice buildup around the unit, and higher energy bills are all warning signs. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to contact a technician and have them inspect the situation. It’s also critical to keep an eye on your family members, particularly young children and the elderly. They may not be as aware of danger signs as adults, so it is up to you to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. If you start to notice any of the above-mentioned warning signs, it’s time to act. If you smell something strange or suspect a leak, don’t be afraid to call in the professionals. But how do you know whether you should call a technician or try to fix it yourself? Here are some pointers to help you figure it out:

• If your system is making strange noises, these are usually easy enough for anyone who knows what they are doing to identify and fix with just a quick trip down into the basement. If this sounds like something beyond your skill level, call a professional.
• If you notice any of the signs that there might be an issue with your filter or motor, it’s usually best to have someone come out and take a look at it. While these are easy fixes for most people who know what they are doing, it’s always best to call a technician if not something you feel comfortable doing.
• If you see an increase in your energy bills, this could be a sign that something is wrong with your furnace. Sometimes, this can be the culprit behind a high energy bill, and you may be able to fix yourself within just minutes. However, before you do anything else, make sure that all of the doors and windows in your home are closed tightly and that there isn’t anything wrong with your thermostat.

Preventing Furnace Problems 

While it is impossible to completely avoid furnace repair service issues, there are some things you can do to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to change your furnace filter on a regular basis. This may appear to be a minor task, but it is one of the most crucial. A clogged filter will not only make your furnace work harder than necessary, but it may also cause motor problems in the future. Another thing you can do to help prevent furnace problems is to keep an eye on your energy bills. If you notice that they are rising above normal, it is time to contact a technician and have them inspect your system. It is also critical to inspect the area around your furnace on a regular basis for anything that could obstruct airflow or access to the unit itself. If you notice any nearby objects, such as furniture, toys, branches from trees outside, etc., remove them right away.

Furnace Safety Tips 

While it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for when determining if there might be an issue with your furnace, it’s also crucial that you know how to stay safe while the unit is running.  Some of the furnace safety tips that everyone should follow include: 

• Never touch the heating elements or surfaces of the furnace while it is turned on. These can be very hot and can cause severe burns. 
• Keep combustible materials, such as rugs and curtains, at least three feet away from the furnace. 
• Make sure that the area around the furnace is always clear of any snow or ice. 
• Never try to fix your furnace yourself if you don’t know what you are doing. This can be very dangerous and could result in serious injury.
• Always use caution when opening the door to the furnace area, as hot surfaces or flames may be present. 

Furnace Repair Service in Duncanville, TX

If you’re looking for more ways to stay safe this winter, be sure to check out our other furnace safety tips. And, if you start to see any of the warning signs mentioned in this guide, don’t hesitate to call Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling, and Heating at (972) 291-0740. We can help get your furnace back up and running in no time.