Fall is a wonderful time of the year with crisp weather and changing leaves. With temperature changes comes the yearly changeover from cooling to heating, which means switching to your furnace. It may come as a surprise, but heating equipment is the most common cause of house fires. The experts at American Restoration recommend you take advantage of these tips to avoid any fire mishaps this Fall.
- Inspect your furnace: It is important to inspect your furnace before its first ignition. We suggest you have the furnace serviced by a professional before each Fall changeover; this ensures it is fire-safe and runs smoothly all season long.
- Learn how to shut off the main gas valve: It’s always a good idea to understand where the main gas valve is and how to shut it off. If you ever smell gas in your home, shut the gas off immediately and reach out to a professional for assistance.
- Clean the area around your furnace: It’s crucial to keep the area around your furnace clean and clear of excess debris. Make sure not to store anything flammable near the furnace and remove anything in contact with the furnace itself.
- Change your filter: A dirty furnace filter can be a big fire hazard. It is advised to change your filter monthly; the added benefit is that it improves the furnace’s efficiency.
- Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors play a huge role in fire safety. Always make sure your detectors are working properly.
Although it may seem like a lot, ensuring your furnace is working safely is a very important part of homeownership. The repercussions of fire and smoke damage are far worse than a yearly checkup on your furnace. If you do experience troubles with fire damage or have any questions, reach out to the team at American Restoration in Albuquerque!
