Now that it's cold enough for your furnace to be running consistently, we want to make you aware of some safety tips that should be followed while your furnace is in use.
Clear The Space:
Lint and dust are common hazards that are prone to building up around your furnace each month. It’s a good habit to vacuum around your furnace once a month to eliminate these potential problems. Neglecting to clean around your furnace will create a higher risk for a fire. If you have a wall furnace, clean the inside of the burner compartments to prevent lint build up. If you have a natural gas furnace, orange or yellow flames may indicate that your furnace needs cleaning or professional insight.
Keep Air Flowing:
Your furnace runs off consistent air circulation. If your furnace doesn’t get enough air, it can consume the oxygen in your home. Make sure that your furnace has at least 2 feet of clearance from objects and that all of the vents in your home stay open. This will keep your air regulated, without any blockage throughout your home.
Keep Flammable Items Away:
Many of us have multiple purposes for our furnace room. Whether it be a place for storage or your laundry room, it is important to be mindful of flammable materials. Any item left near your furnace becomes a hazard, some items posing more of a threat than others. Keep all of your cleaning supplies in airtight containers, keep your kitty litter away from your furnace, and don’t hang clothes on parts of your furnace. Any flammable materials stored near the low flash point area create a high risk for fire. Some flammable items include gasoline, paint or paint thinners, wood scraps, old rags, papers and sawdust.
Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms:
Lastly, keep you and your household safe by preparing for potential problems. You can start by replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a year. While you are replacing the batteries, you might as well test both of the safety features to ensure that they will work in case of an emergency.
Use these tips to create a safe and warm environment for the holiday season coming up. If you need professional heating and cooling advice, call 72 Degrees. You can reach us at 515-965-7272 or visit our website at 72degrees.com for more information.