The Importance of Heater Maintenance.

Some attic fires have been caused by a malfunctioning or poorly maintained heater. Here’s how you can prevent this happening to you.

Have Your Furnace Checked

Having a winter preventive maintenance on your heating system by a professional will give you peace-of-mind that your system is running efficiently. The heating repairman will also ensure that all connections are tight, and the system isn’t showing signs of wear.  Verifying that everything is in good working order before the cold, winter season will save you time and money and may be critical to your family’s safety.

Clear the Furnace and Vents

Be sure there are NO cardboard boxes, newspapers, rags, and other flammable materials near your heating system before you turn it on for the first time. This is also true for your vents. A blocked airway or poorly ventilated furnace can transform an otherwise meaningless spark into a large blaze.  You should keep anything that is flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment including fireplaces, furnaces, space heaters, and wood stoves.

Clean the Chimney

Having your chimney cleaned once a year is a good idea, if you have one.  It’s possible a small animal has built a nest in yours, especially if the top screen has become dislodged or has broken.  Creosote can also build up within an uncleaned chimney and cause fires. Have a professional check your chimney before using it for the first time this winter.

Beware of Other Heat Sources

Some of us remember when the heater wasn’t working properly grandma would open the oven to take the chill off and warm the house.  Just because something is a heat source does not mean you should use it to heat your home. Always remember, safety first, as this can be extremely dangerous.  If you have a heating emergency and need your furnace fixed, call the heating professionals for fast repair. Do not turn to makeshift heat sources.

Turn Portable Heaters Off

If you are leaving the room, going to bed or leaving for the day be sure to turn off portable space heaters. There is no reason to heat a room you’re not in and it’s impossible to notice a fire hazard while you’re sleeping. The same goes for candles. Never leave either of these items unattended.  Space heaters are responsible for some of the home heating fire deaths each year. Using them properly, and turning them off when they’re not being monitored, is critical to not becoming a statistic.

Change Batteries on Your Smoke Detector

Be sure to change those batteries when you turn on your furnace for the first time. You should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.  Heating equipment fires are a major cause of home fires. Maintaining a good alert system is crucial to getting out of the home safely.

Don’t forget to get your furnace preventative maintenance prior to turning it on for the winter season.

Be sure to call us today at Maximum Air at (559) 222-0733 to schedule your maintenance and service to your Fresno HVAC unit.