Prevent fires due to gas furnace heating

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Here are a few safety tips you can follow to prevent fires due to gas furnace heating.

Have your furnace inspected by a professional before the heating season begins? Fall is the perfect time to schedule a professional furnace tune-up.

Leave furnace repairs to the professionals. When your HVAC technician inspects your furnace, they will check the flue, vent connections, physical condition of heating components, gas pressure, flame color, burner combustion, dirt and cracks, fuel input, airflow, thermostat, electrical connections, and more.

Make sure you know how to turn off the gas at the main valve, near your gas meter.

Check for gas leaks in your furnace

If you smell gas, turn off the gas at the main valve, don’t ignite anything (including turning on or off lights and electrical devices), and leave the area immediately. Call the fire department or local gas company from a cell phone or neighbor’s house.

Check the walls and ceiling around your furnace. If there is soot or discoloration, call a professional to inspect your ventilation.

Inspect your flue pipes and seams. Are they in place? Soot can indicate that you have a dirty, inefficient furnace and/or a faulty ventilation system.

Check the area around your furnace. Many furnace fires are the result of flammable objects and substances near the furnace. Keep paper, trash, paint, and other flammable material far away from your furnace

Regularly clean and vacuum the area around your furnace

Maintain a child-free zone around your furnace.

Check your furnace filter every 30 days and wait no longer than 90 days to clean or replace it. This will also improve your airflow and furnace efficiency.

Check your furnace flame and make sure it is blue. If it is any other color, it needs to be inspected by a professional. Keep operational fire extinguishers handy.

Plan and memorize a fire escape plan. Make sure everyone knows the safe meeting place.

Finally, make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed throughout your home.