A furnace tucked away in your basement or utility room is easy to forget about until there’s a problem. However, neglecting your furnace poses a danger to both your home and your family. Follow these simple tips to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently for its entire life.
Maintain Proper Clearance
Producing heat for your home is the designated job for your furnace. It stands to reason that your furnace will produce some residual heat around the unit in the process. That heat will dissipate to the air around it if it’s given adequate clearance for air circulation.
HVAC techs and design engineers agree that the back and sides need a minimum of 6 to 12 inches to provide sufficient ventilation. The front needs at least 3 feet to provide adequate service access. Local building codes also regulate the minimum safe clearance, so check your local codes for compliance.
Keep the Area Clean
Dirt, dust, oil, and chemicals can all create a fire hazard if the furnace’s heat doesn’t circulate properly. Keep the area around your furnace clean, including adequately mitigating any spills to prevent possible fire hazards.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Neglecting your furnace filters restricts the air flowing through the system, allowing the heat to build up in the area. How often your filter needs changing depends on its size, your usage habits, filter style and your home’s air quality. Common 1- and 2-inch filters typically need changing every 30 to 90 days, while larger filters may last longer.
Maintain a Working Carbon Monoxide Detector
All gas and propane furnaces produce carbon monoxide, which vents through the flue under normal operation. However, some furnace problems may allow this dangerous gas to leak into your home. Ensure you get early notification by keeping a functioning CO detector near your unit.
Check Regularly for Water Leaks
Most homes have the water heater and softener, sump pump and the washer and dryer near the furnace. Additionally, you likely have a water supply and sewage pipes that run in the vicinity of your furnace if it’s in the basement.
Leaks around your furnace can cause corrosion within the unit, not to mention dangerous electrical issues. Inspect the area around your furnace regularly for signs of leaks, especially after plumbing issues, electrical outages and major storms.
Keep Up on Routine Maintenance
One of the best ways to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently is through annual routine maintenance. During this visit, technicians will clean and tune your unit to prevent your fuel consumption from creeping up.
They’ll also thoroughly inspect and test your unit, looking for early signs of wear. This includes testing electrical components but also checking the heat exchanger for cracks that can leak carbon monoxide.
Keeping your home and family safe from your furnace is easy with a little attention and effort. Following these tips will not only keep your home and family safe but will also help reduce your heating costs. If you have concerns or require furnace maintenance services, contact Sandium Heating & Air in San Jose, CA.
