Furnace Safety Tips for Staying Warm This Holiday Season
Having a warm, cozy home during the holidays gives you a place to feel safe and comfortable no matter how cold it is outside. As the temperatures start to dip, it’s a good time to focus on furnace safety to ensure your home’s heating system is ready to keep your family warm. Looking at common warning signs of furnace problems and what to do about them gives you an excellent starting point for heating your home this season.
Understanding Your Furnace
There are several types of heating systems that you might find in Chicago homes. Furnaces are the most popular type, and this system uses forced air that runs through ductwork to reach the different rooms in your home. Although electric furnaces are available, many homeowners choose gas-powered systems for cost-effectiveness.
Boilers are another type of heating system you’ll find in residences in our communities. These use water as a medium for heat transfers. People tend to like boilers because they don’t stir up as much dust and allergens as you’ll notice with forced-air systems.
Recognizing the Signs of a Furnace Problem
When the temperatures outside are freezing, the last thing you want to worry about is your furnace going out overnight. Fortunately, furnaces often send out warning signs you can check for to know when to call a service technician.
One of the easiest warning signs to check for is a yellow light on a gas-powered furnace. The pilot light should be blue, and seeing yellow is a sign that there could be a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak, you’ll need to get to fresh air and contact the gas company immediately. Once everyone is safe, a heating technician can inspect the system and make recommendations for repairs.
You’ll also want to watch out for less dangerous signs of a heater problem. A malfunctioning thermostat, hearing strange noises, and feeling like the rooms aren’t warm enough are all signs that the system may fail. High energy bills also indicate that your furnace could work harder than it should to warm your home.
Maintaining Your Unit
As a homeowner, the most important thing you can do is keep the airflow running freely through the unit. Make sure to change the air filter as recommended by the system’s manufacturer. If you notice warning signs of a heating problem, reach out to a professional immediately. Many common problems are easier to repair when they are caught early.
Remembering the Importance of Professional Inspections
In many cases, a seasonal inspection catches minor issues before the winter season hits full swing. Professional technicians can look for issues that could cause the system to overwork or develop a leak. During a tune-up, a technician can lubricate moving parts, check the connections on hoses and gas lines, and double-check the air filter to keep the system running efficiently all winter long.
Paying attention to furnace safety this season can help keep the holiday chills away. Make sure to schedule a furnace inspection or get a free estimate with professional technicians at Service Express Heating and Air Conditioning. Knowing that your furnace has been fully inspected and serviced gives you more peace of mind as you enjoy the warmth of your home throughout the holidays.
