How to Help Prevent Furnace Fires

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Furnace fires can easily be prevented with regular maintenance and cleaning.

This summer, we were all thinking about how to stay cool. But with fall upon us, it’s time to start cranking up the heat again (hopefully not too soon). If you heat your house with a furnace, a little preventive maintenance now can help prevent a fire when you do turn on your heat.

Gas furnaces are more prevalent than wood or coal. (Yes, about 130,000 households still burn coal.)

And while furnaces are generally quite safe, they can occasionally cause house fires. That’s why it’s important to properly maintain any kind of furnace.

Clean around the furnace. Move any debris or stored items at least three feet away from your furnace.

Clean the furnace itself. Dirt and grime can cause overheating. They can also prevent you from seeing any damage or other problems.

Replace dirty air filters. Dirty or clogged air filters prevent the flow of air, leading to overheating. This can increase the likelihood of a fire.

Check your chimneys and vents. Clogged vents or flues can lead to fires. Call a professional if you need help with this task.

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Both should be installed throughout your house and should be tested to see if they’re working properly. If you don’t have both kinds of alarms, make that the very first errand on your list.

Invest in a professional maintenance checkup. A furnace professional can identify and correct problems such as a cracked heat exchanger or incorrect pressure in the furnace. Even flame color can tell an experienced repair person how well your furnace is functioning. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced lately, make an appointment this month.

If your home has suffered fire damage, SERVPRO of Ames can help. Our agents are on call around the clock so we can start helping you get back to normal, fast. Contact us at any hour for assistance.