You know the importance of furnace maintenance – the filter should be replaced every three to four months. Changing the filter is an easy way to maintain your heating system and make it more energy-efficient.
When your furnace isn’t performing properly it can be dangerous for the occupants of your home or commercial building. Almost every gas furnace produces some Carbon Monoxide, which is vented out of the home when the system is in working order. If your furnace is dirty, it may be inefficiently burning, producing too much Carbon Monoxide.
The general recommendation is to have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually, especially if the furnace is older. However, there are other things you can do in the meantime to make sure your furnace is working and effectively heating your home:
- Keep the area around the furnace clear.
- Keep furnace’s burner area clean.
- Do not put any flammable objects within six inches of the vent pipe.
- Close off no more than 20% of the registers in your home, as it could cause heat buildup in the furnace.
- Do not store flammable materials near the furnace.
If you experience any of the following furnace problems, call your heating contractor right away:
- Flakes of rust and scale that may fall on the burners. This will cease gas flow and eventually damage the furnace.
- Strange sounds such as grinding, huffing or banging, which may mean a number of issues.
- Carbon Monoxide. It is odorless and tasteless, but can foster flu-like symptoms for a building’s tenants. Know the signs so you can detect and solve the problem early.
- Yellow flames, which indicate that there is dirt in the burner.
Have you had your furnace checked out this year? If not, call us to schedule your appointment at (773) 777-5700.
