As safe as most furnaces are, neglect and bad luck can cause them to turn hazardous. However, with the right regimen of furnace maintenance and the help of a knowledgeable HVAC contractor, you can rest easy knowing you have taken the extra precaution to protect your family. Here is a guide for how to keep your furnace as dependable as possible. 

A Furnace Maintenance Program for Boosting Safety

1. Ensure Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Works

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause severe symptoms like extreme nausea and vomiting, so it’s urgent that residents leave the property immediately in the event of a leak. While gas furnaces come with a built-in carbon monoxide detector, you must regularly assess it to ensure it's still working properly.

After activating the test button, check that you can hear the alarm from even the most remote point of your house. You can adjust the volume, so consider turning it up to the highest level. And while you’re there, don’t forget to replace the batteries if it’s been longer than six months since your last switch. If you have any trouble, call your HVAC contractor for assistance.

2. Give Your Furnace Room

While it may be tempting to use the space around your furnace for extra storage, it's best practice to keep the area around the unit clear in all directions. Though it is contained, there still is a flame burning, and having anything combustible nearby like paper or wood may be tempting danger. It’s worth conducting an inventory of all items within ten feet of the furnace, and either extracting them or moving them into sealed containers. 

3. Schedule an Inspection

To complete your safety check, you’ll need a professional HVAC contractor to examine every aspect of your furnace. The technician will be able to identify any vulnerabilities that could lead to leaks, as well as tighten loose components and clear jammed filters causing your unit to strain extra and produce more internal heat. Not only can these actions help protect your family, but regular maintenance work can make your system run more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bills.

If it’s been a long time since a technician inspected your furnace, don’t hesitate to reach out to Parker Solutions in Elko, NV. These licensed and insured HVAC contractors can optimize your unit's safety and, should they spot something amiss, work quickly to repair it. You can receive a free estimate for their service by calling (775) 738-4681 or sending a message through their website.