7 Furnace Safety Tips for Livonia Homeowners

Your furnace is the heart of your home’s comfort through fall and winter. To ensure it keeps working efficiently and safely, it’s important to follow these seven safety tips. Neglecting your furnace’s maintenance can lead to various dangers for your family’s well-being and your home’s safety.

Replace Your Air Filter

Replace your air filter regularly. A clogged filter can wreak havoc on your furnace’s performance. Imagine trying to breathe through a straw; it’s not easy. Similarly, a clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and less efficiently. This leads to higher energy bills and increases the risk of malfunctions.

To keep things running smoothly, replace your air filter every one to three months, depending on usage. A clean filter ensures your furnace has sufficient airflow, maintaining optimal efficiency, improving air quality, and reducing the risk of a breakdown.

Check Your Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors

Your home’s safety relies on the proper functioning of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. These devices are your silent guardians, constantly monitoring for potential threats. However, they can’t do their job if they’re not in top condition.

Regularly check and test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to guarantee they’re operational. Replace batteries at least twice a year, and never ignore a beeping alarm. It could be signaling a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.

Keep Flammable Products Away From the Furnace

Furnaces generate heat, and heat plus flammable materials equals danger. Keep any combustible items far away from your furnace. This includes not only obvious things like paper and cloth but also chemicals and cleaning products that can be highly flammable.

Creating a safe zone around your furnace ensures that there’s no risk of accidental fires. Safety should always be the top priority when dealing with heating appliances.

Keep the Area Clean Around Your Furnace

Ensuring the space around your furnace is clutter-free is more than just aesthetics — it’s about functionality. A clean area allows for proper airflow, enabling your furnace to operate efficiently.

Remove any dust, debris, or obstructions near your furnace to maintain a clear path for air circulation.

Set Safety Guidelines

Safety starts at home. Establish clear safety guidelines for your family to follow. Teach everyone about the potential risks associated with the furnace and what to do in case of an emergency.

This simple step can prevent accidents and ensure everyone in your household knows how to respond if an issue arises.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Regular checkups aren’t just for your health; they’re crucial for your furnace, too. Schedule routine maintenance to ensure your furnace is in top-notch condition.

Professional inspections can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems, saving you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Know When To Call a Professional

Even with regular maintenance, issues can arise. Know the signs that your furnace needs professional attention. Strange noises, inconsistent heating, or an unexplained increase in energy bills are red flags. When you notice these, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning is your reliable partner in ensuring your furnace’s performance. As a family-owned and -operated company, we understand the importance of a safe and comfortable home. Our emergency services are available around the clock, and we offer free replacement estimates.

Become part of our Ehlers Membership and enjoy exclusive perks, including a 5% discount on air filters, a 15% discount on service repairs, discounts on new home comfort systems, and free refrigerant and appliance removal.

Call (248) 579-2362 today to schedule furnace maintenance with Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning.