Have you ever checked whether your furnace is ready for another Winnipeg winter? Maintenance and furnace service is paramount because it would have stayed unused for a long period of time during the summer months. To avoid malfunctions one should be aware of the safety tips that must be observed before bringing it back into full use. To make it ready for another winter season, the following furnace safety tips should be followed:
Scheduled Inspections
Annual tune ups of the furnace should be carried out to ensure that it’s still in good condition no matter if it has been in use or not. Future breakdowns can be avoided by having qualified technicians detecting problems before it’s too late. You can’t use DIY skills to clean or fix a furnace when you lack technical knowledge. Let an experienced hand do the cleaning and repairing using recommended methods to keep it working at your furnace’s optimal efficiency.
Replacement of the Filters
Some types of furnace failure can easily be avoided by having the filter replaced regularly. Depending on how big your furnace is, and whether or not you have pets will determine how often you should change your filter. Changing the filter every 2-3 months during the winter is a good idea to keep the air clear. A filter that is dirty will automatically release air full of dust in your home which is a health hazard. Another reason to change your filter is that a clean filter is allowing the hardware to operate as intended, and will make the furnace work efficiently.
The Furnace Location Should be Clear
One of the mistake that homeowners make is storing items next to a furnace. To avoid cases of accidental fire, the furnace should be located where there is clear space on all sides, with nothing resting against it. Never store any flammable items beside the furnace.
Vacuuming
The other important furnace safety tip is vacuuming the location where it has installed and the surrounding area. It can become a fire hazard when there is an excessive build-up of dust where the furnace is.
Testing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It is a MUST to have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Especially if there is a furnace in the house. There should be one in the room that the furnace is located, but it is also recommended to have one near where the bedrooms are located. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas and if you inhale it, it can lead to death. The reason for having a detector within the furnace area is to detect any gas leaks quickly, as it is odorless and at the same time colorless. You could be inhaling it without your knowledge, hence, it is mandatory to have a detector installed and it should be fully functional. Check the detector often, monthly if possible.
Never Operate the Furnace when Front Panel is Open
If the front panel is open you should always make sure that the furnace has first been switched off. It is not safe to access any part of the furnace while it is running.
If you have any problems with your furnace, it’s advisable to contact a trained furnace repair expert for help.
Steve De Vries is a “Red Seal” refrigeration technician with over 20 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He has been a certified Lennox Premier technician since 2006. Steve is also a Master gas-fitter licensed by the province of Manitoba. Along with his Red Seal Provincial accreditation he also holds an electrical license. Born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba, Steve has a very good understanding of a diverse climate and the affects it has on our construction. Well versed in duct design, fabrication, ventilation, and air quality, Steve understands all the variables to take into consideration for our region as well as the science to achieve desired comfort, which is so much more than just temperature. The technicians at Weather Tech are reliable, fast, and courteous. We can repair or service any model or make of your home’s heating and cooling system. If you have an emergency please call us at 204-799-4926.