Heating systems and furnaces are designed to have a long lifespan of up to fifteen years. It is even possible to extend the lifetime of your system with timely maintenance and servicing. Unfortunately, there are some potential hazards to maintaining your furnace, so you should be aware of these safety tips:
Completely Disconnect the Power Source:
Before you begin any form of servicing or maintenance of your furnace or heating system, you need to ensure that you completely disconnect the power source. You should trip the circuit breaker on the main electrical entrance panel and remove the fuse responsible for power to the system. If you are unsure exactly which one is the circuit for your heating system, you should trip the main circuit breaker or physically remove the main fuse. This will cut off power to the whole house and remove any danger of electrocution.
If the circuit trips or a fuse blows when you turn on your heating system, there is some form of problem in the electrical system. This type of issue does require professional assistance, so it is important not to attempt any form of repair yourself.
Be Aware of Gas Odors:
If you have a gas heating system, you should always be aware of gas odors. Utility companies add an odor to domestic gas supplies to help detect any leaks. If you smell any trace of gas in your home, you will need immediate assistance. You should not attempt to shut off the supply and under no circumstances switch on any lights or appliances. Even a small leak can ignite from a single spark, so you will need to immediately vacate the property and call the local authorities to report the leak. Do not return inside the house until help has arrived and they have confirmed that it is safe.
Get an Annual Service:
To keep your heating system performing optimally, you should have it serviced at least once each year by a certified professional or technician. The ideal time to consider having your heating system serviced is at the end of the winter; you could also get your air conditioning checked at the same time to prepare for summer. This said, if you have not done this yet, NOW is the time to do it before the winter months hit. This year’s El Niño promises to bring wetter and colder weather than usual, so you should be prepared now while LA’s climate is still unseasonably mild.
Check Your Heat Source:
The heat source of your system is the most complex component. Unfortunately, this means that it is also the component that is most likely to develop a fault if it is neglected or ignored. If your heat source has begun to fail, you will experience heat distribution problems. If you begin to notice inconsistent heating, it is important that you call in a certified technician to check the system. Regular attention could prolong the lifespan of the system and avoid the costly hassle of needing a replacement.
Keep it Clean:
Dirt, dust, and other debris does not go well with any electrical or mechanical component. It is, therefore, vital that you ensure that all filters are kept clean. When debris is allowed to accumulate on filters, particles will be distributed throughout the system, compromising performance and increasing the risk of breakdown. Don’t forget that your furnace will also need lubrication to keep every component running smoothly.