A gas furnace is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home in central Oklahoma, and it's rarely a safety hazard. However, to minimize any problems with burning a combustible fuel in your home for heat, it helps to follow some guidelines.
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector no closer than 15 feet from the furnace. If you have just one detector, place it at eye level close to the master bedroom. CO rises and putting it too close to the floor lowers its reliability. Avoid placing the detector close to a bathroom, since the humidity levels can interfere with its operation.
Try not to use flammable aerosols in your home during the winter. If you must use one, shut the furnace off and open a door or window until the gas dissipates. Store any flammable material away from the furnace.
Make sure that your gas meter is in the open, along with your incoming shut-off valve for the gas line. In the event of a problem, being able to turn off the gas quickly can prevent a serious emergency. The gas utility technicians need quick access to the meter, so do not cover it, paint it or allow your children to play around it.
Report any gas odors immediately to your gas provider. If you don't know their contact number, call 911 for assistance.
Keep your furnace filter clean or change it regularly. A clean filter is your best defense against premature wear, and will promote efficient operation. When the filter gets dirty, it impedes the flow of air over the heat exchanger inside the gas furnace, which can overheat it. Over time, cracks form in the heat exchanger that can emit carbon monoxide and render your furnace unsafe and illegal to use.
Have your furnace maintained and inspected each year. The inspection includes a check of the flue, the heat exchanger and the thermostat, as well as a check for leaks in all parts leading to the gas furnace.
Air Assurance in Broken Arrow provides annual inspection and maintenance services for gas furnaces. Please contact us to schedule a visit to keep your system working safely and efficiently.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!