Did you know that a heating systems cause approximately 50% of winter home fires? These statistics mean that winter fire safety is about much more than blowing out candles and monitoring the lights on the Christmas tree. Here are three ways to help prevent a furnace fire in your home.
#1: Clear the Surrounding Area
Many homeowners tend to store items in the same general area where the furnace is. Be very careful when putting things around and near your HVAC system. There should be at least three feet around your furnace that remains clear. It’s also critical to keep anything flammable even further away from the equipment, including cardboard boxes, paint, and laundry.
#2: Ensure Proper Ventilation
Furnace gasses and fumes vent out of your home through flues on your roof. Annual inspection to ensure dirt, debris, leaves, or animal nests don’t block the vents will help keep them clear and prevent dangerous gas from getting trapped or backing up into your home.
#3: Don’t Forget Fall Maintenance
As the weather cools and we prepare to turn the heat on during the winter months, it’s vital to schedule fall HVAC maintenance. Not only will it ensure your heating system functions as it should with a reduced chance of breakdown or need for repairs, but it can significantly reduce the potential for a furnace fire. Identifying and repairing cracks and leaks, as well as inspecting the heat exchanger, pilot light, and burner assembly, will prevent gas from creating a fire hazard in your home.
Heat-related house fires are devastating and terrifying. However, some simple preventative measures can increase winter fire safety and help reduce the chance of a furnace fire in your home. For more information on HVAC inspections, maintenance, and repair to help prevent a fire, contact G+S Heating and Air.
