Top Tips for Safely Using Your Furnace This Winter Season
Before winter sets in, it’s important to take a moment to prepare your home’s furnace for the months ahead and prevent potential safety issues. At Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling, we know how critical furnace safety is for your comfort and peace of mind. That’s why we’ve outlined essential winter furnace safety tips every homeowner should follow to protect their home, family, and heating system in Mukwonago, New Berlin, and West Allis, WI.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance is a key safety measure. A well-maintained furnace helps catch wear and tear before it becomes a hazard. Neglecting your heating system can allow dust, debris, or worn parts to weaken performance, increase fire risk, or lead to dangerous exhaust leaks. By scheduling annual inspections and tune-ups with our certified technicians at Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling, you keep your furnace running safely and efficiently.
Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear
The space around your furnace needs to stay free from clutter, especially combustible materials. Maintaining at least a three-foot clearance around the unit and keeping items such as cardboard boxes, clothing, and flammable liquids well away is essential. This reduces fire risk as well as ensuring proper airflow and preventing heat accumulation that could damage the system or cause hazardous conditions.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is crucial for safe furnace operation, particularly for gas-fueled systems. Poor airflow can lead to inefficient combustion, buildup of harmful gases, or a malfunctioning heat exchanger. Make sure vents and return grilles are open and clean, and that exhaust flues or chimneys are unobstructed so the system can vent safely and efficiently.
Be Aware of Unusual Signs
Your furnace will often show warning signs long before a major issue develops. Pay attention to unusual smells, abnormal sounds such as banging or rattling, uneven heating, or weak airflow. Our team at Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling recommends that if you notice persistent burning smells, uneven air distribution, or strange noises, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. Catching problems early reduces the risk of failure or safety hazards and can lower repair costs.
Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby
Furnaces seldom cause fires, but as with any home system that uses combustion, electricity, or heat, a fire safety plan is a wise addition to your furnace safety checklist. Consider keeping a small ABC fire extinguisher in or near your furnace room, where it remains accessible but away from heat sources. Ensure everyone in the household knows where it is and how to use it. Adding this measure can act as an extra layer of protection in emergency situations.
Monitor for Carbon Monoxide Risks
Perhaps one of the most serious risks associated with heating systems is carbon monoxide (CO). If your furnace’s heat exchanger cracks or if exhaust gases aren’t venting correctly, CO could leak into your home, posing life-threatening danger. Be sure your home has a working CO detector near the furnace and on each floor, and contact Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling immediately if you ever detect symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea while the furnace is operating.
Professional Help if Needed
While many safety checks can be performed by homeowners, some tasks require trained professionals. At Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling, our NATE-certified technicians handle comprehensive inspections that include burner tests, heat-exchanger evaluation, gas line and electrical checks, and airflow adjustment. Investing in yearly furnace maintenance helps ensure safe operation and optimal efficiency. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your gas furnace, detect warning signs, or need additional gas furnace safety tips, scheduling a professional visit is the smartest step you can take.
Schedule a Furnace Safety Check With Our Team
When you’re ready for a comprehensive safety inspection, tune-up, or simply want peace of mind, contact Donovan & Jorgenson Heating and Cooling. Our expert team serves Mukwonago, New Berlin, and West Allis with the highest standards of safety and service. Schedule your furnace safety check now and stay warm, safe, and secure.
