Operating a gas furnace is one of the safest and most efficient ways to heat your northeast Ohio home, but caution must be taken any time you’re operating a system that burns combustible fuel indoors. Keep your family safe this heating season with these gas furnace safety tips.

Maintain your HVAC system

  • Schedule a preventive tune-up of your furnace to keep it running safely and efficiently. A qualified HVAC professional will perform a multiple-point check of your system, including tightening gas and electrical connections, lubricating the moving parts to reduce friction and testing for CO leaks.
  • Replace your furnace filter every one to three months to keep bacteria, viruses, dust and mold from compromising the health of your family. A dirty filter impedes the airflow to your system, which can result in a fan malfunction or cracks on the heat exchanger due to overheating.
  • Keep the area around your furnace free of dust and debris. Store flammable materials at least 15 feet away from your system.

Protect your family from carbon monoxide

  • Install a CO detector on every floor in your home, including one near your main sleeping area. Replace the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors and test each unit for proper operation.
  • Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness and nausea. If you suspect carbon monoxide, move to the outdoors immediately and call 911.

Be prepared for an emergency

  • Know where your gas shutoff valve is located and keep it accessible in case of an emergency.
  • Post the emergency phone number of your gas company on your furnace and call immediately if you smell gas around the system. If you can’t reach the gas company, call 911.
  • Update your family’s evacuation plan in case of a fire or other emergency. Stage a drill with your family to help everyone keep a clear head in a true emergency.

Family-owned Stack Heating & Cooling has served residents of the greater Cleveland area since 1976. For more expert advice about keeping your family safe this winter, or to schedule preventive maintenance on your gas furnace, please contact us.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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