All equipment in the HVAC field has risks regarding installation. However, there are ways to mitigate those risks. As winter begins, it will benefit consumers to know the general risks of gas furnaces and electric heaters, the most popular heating systems used in our homes. Furthermore, having knowledge about safety preventions ensures consistent heat flow through your home as the outside temperatures continue to fall.
Risks of Gas Furnaces
To begin with, a gas furnace is defined as a heating system that uses propane or gas to create warm air for your home. With its use of gas, a common risk would be gas leaks and high carbon monoxide exposure. This maximizes the air’s flammability, which leads to house fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, the inevitability of wear and tear can cause older furnaces to release carbon monoxide faster than modern furnaces. To avoid these dangers, we urge you to have a technician inspect your system; they will check your gas pipes and other pieces of the system to make sure they are durable for the winter season. Depending on the age of your furnace, that licensed technician can give you a recommendation of whether you should replace your furnace or have repairs done. Do not wait for the random smell of gas to infiltrate your home to call a professional. Rather, make sure your furnace is suitable to keep your home warm safely ahead of time.
Risks of Electric Heaters
Next, an electric heater is another common heating system. It creates an electric current to generate warmth inside of your home. Common risks of electric heaters include overloaded circuits that can lead to fires and shock risks. You can avoid overloading your circuits by making sure the plug for that heater has a dedicated circuit; this simultaneously reduces shock hazards. But the safest way to prevent electrical shock overall would be to let a professional inspect your unit. Having a qualified overseer of your HVAC equipment is always the safest prevention method. And just like the gas furnace, it is best to call that professional ahead of time before you see any signs of danger.
How to Prevent These Risks
So, before the temperatures drop again this winter, make sure your system is safe to use long term. Call Air Integrity HVAC today and book your seasonal preventative maintenance check-up today: 281-786-0210. Or book online: HVACservice.net
~Nevaonna Alfred