Maintaining Your Furnace To Prevent Fire Hazards

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

HVAC air filters need replacing every 30 to 90 days.

Furnace Maintenance

A residential fire is among the most common concerns for new and existing homeowners. While having insurance is nice for the aftermath of fire cleaning, it is not a preventative tool for the initial loss and devastation. One of the main contributors to fire risks in homes is poorly maintained HVAC units. According to many fire restoration professionals in Garland, TX, maintaining these vital systems is a crucial component of any fire prevention plan. You can take four steps to ensure the operational integrity of your system.

1. Routinely Replace Filters
HVAC air filters need replacing every 30 to 90 days. The more people or pets you have in your home means the frequency is increased, especially with smokers in the house, smoke cleaning reduces the lifespan of a filter. Most professionals recommend changing air filters every 30 days to ensure optimum air quality.

2. Keep All Vents Clear and Open
Many people will close off vents in rooms they do not use often, but that is not a good idea. When you seal a vent, the HVAC system may need to work harder to maintain temperatures in the house.
People also have a tendency to place furniture over vents, leading to potential fire hazards. If you would like to avoid fire cleaning, keep vents clear.
Your HVAC system works best with open and clear vents. If the temp seems off, consider contacting a professional to perform an assessment.

3. Perform Routine Inspections
Performing DIY assessments weekly or monthly is quite useful. You know your system and can likely identify slight changes better than others. Drastic changes in operation might require professional attention, but frequent DIY checks allow for early professional intervention.

4. Hire a Professional for Biannual Inspections
At least twice per year--the spring and fall--you will want to call a professional for a full system inspection. Professionals can identify problems early, ensuring you do not go the winter without heat.
Homeowners should know that HVAC systems can become fire hazards without routine maintenance. To prevent such dangers, use prevention and fire cleaning services to help, keeping up with maintenance schedules.