What Are the Most Common Causes of Fires Due to HVAC Issues?

Your HVAC system is vital to maintaining a livable home environment. However, it also poses a fire hazard, particularly if it isn't maintained properly. Let's take a look at the common causes of HVAC fires.

Gas Leaks

Natural gas leaks and explosions are a common cause of HVAC fires and more than a dozen deaths every year. Can you smell rotten eggs despite not having any rotten eggs in your home? You probably have a gas leak. Call for assistance and stay away from your home until it's fixed.

Motor Issues

An overheating motor can make your air conditioner catch fire. Some of the factors that could lead to motor overheating include:

• Accumulation of dirt. Dirt can collect inside and around your system's motor. The motor may heat up due to the dirt acting as insulation.

• Insufficient lubrication. This can make the motor bearings tighten and wear out. When it's dry, the bearings start catching heat and eventually catch fire.

• Voltage problems. Voltage that's too high or too low can make the motor overheat.

Faulty Wiring

Your HVAC system has many wiring systems. Wiring problems such as fraying, disconnection, and corrosion should be repaired quickly. That's because electrical shorts can quickly cause HVAC fires.

Properly Maintaining Your System Is Key

The best way to avoid HVAC fires is to make sure your heating and cooling system is well maintained. Replace your filter regularly and have your ducts cleaned periodically.

Schedule biannual tuneups and inspections with a licensed and experienced HVAC professional. During the maintenance visit, the technician does a variety of crucial tasks, such as:

• Thoroughly check your system's critical components for wear and tear.

• Clean and lubricate your system.

• Check and tighten the electrical connections and ensure there's no corrosion on them.

HVAC fires, just like any other fire, can be highly dangerous and even deadly. Make sure your HVAC system is installed and maintained correctly to significantly reduce the chances of dangers like gas leaks and fires. If you need the most reliable HVAC installation, maintenance, or duct-cleaning services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experienced professionals at Air Assurance.

Gas Furnace Safety: Tips For Protecting Your Loved Ones

Broken Arrow will soon be exposed to the cold weather of winter. This means that you will be depending more and more on your furnace to keep you and your family warm and comfortable. However, because you will be using your furnace much more this winter, you should be sure to keep in mind these gas furnace safety tips.

• Carbon monoxide (CO) detector – All gas furnaces produce a small amount of CO that is relatively harmless. However, if the furnace is not properly functioning, or your home is not being ventilated properly, CO could build up to a dangerous level. A CO detector is necessary due to the fact that CO is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas.

• Gas meter and shutoff valve – Your gas meter and the incoming shutoff valve should both be easily accessible. It should be easy for you to turn off the gas in case something goes wrong, as this could prevent a real emergency. Make sure it is not covered so that it is easily accessible by gas utility technicians.

• Check for gas leaks – Gas leaks are usually easy to find. You can usually smell it if there is a gas leak, not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to see the gas build up on the floor around the furnace.

• Keep the furnace clean – Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear. Do not place anything flammable nearby. Also, make sure to change the filter on a regular basis. A dirty filter will make the airflow much less efficient and result in the furnace working much harder than it should.

• Professional inspection – Have a professional technician inspect your furnace. He or she will be able to do a thorough job cleaning all the components as well as checking for any damages that need to be repaired.

Keeping warm during the winter is important, but so is keeping in mind these gas furnace safety tips. For more information about your furnace, contact Air Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide Broken Arrow with the best HVAC service available.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock