Winter is the last time you want to worry about furnace repairs. However, problems do pop up when it’s most inconvenient, especially if you’ve been running your heat often enough to bring hidden issues to light. Reading Heating & Air Conditioning in Cincinnati, OH, has a few tips to offer to ensure you stay safe when this frustrating situation occurs.

3 Furnace Repair Safety Tips

1. Make Sure You’re Not in Immediate Danger From Gas Leaks

Natural gas and carbon monoxide pose hazards. It’s not safe for you and your family to stay in an environment where either is leaking into your living space. If your furnace breaks down, your first step should be to confirm the air is clear.

Natural gas will be easy to detect by the distinctive sulfurous (or “rotten egg”) odor of the mercaptan added to it. If you smell it or hear a leak, evacuate right away without doing anything that could cause the gas to ignite.

Unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide is odorless and can’t be easily detected. You should have functioning carbon monoxide detectors at all times to keep you safe from poisoning. If you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or are having trouble breathing, get out of the house right away.

2. Find a Safe Source of Backup Heat

In cold weather, hypothermia is a real risk. Once you’ve confirmed your air is clear, keep all windows and doors closed to trap heat in your house. Use safe means of indoor heat, like your fireplace, space heaters, and extra clothing and blankets. Don’t use kerosene or propane heaters that are meant to be operated outdoors, as these can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Don’t Take on Complicated Repairs

Some furnace issues are easy to resolve, like an air filter that needs cleaning. If you’re not clear what the problem is or you’re not completely comfortable fixing it, though, don’t take the risk. You may make the problem worse or even dangerous. Instead, call a professional furnace repair technician.

Whether you have a furnace repair emergency or simply need preventative maintenance, Reading Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Call (513) 821-1633 for prompt, professional help from a member of their team. Their website has helpful guidelines on whether it’s better to repair or replace different HVAC systems. You can also like Reading Heating & Air Conditioning on Facebook.