Taking Gas Furnace Safety Seriously
In Atlanta and across Georgia, natural gas furnaces provide winter comfort in many homes. But like any gas appliance, it needs respect. Generally, a Georgia gas furnace is very reliable and safe. However, without proper maintenance, there is some risk of carbon monoxide or gas leaks or even explosions. But don’t worry! A few simple acts keep your family safe and your heating system running efficiently. Check out our winter gas furnace safety tips and a bonus tip about saving money on your natural gas costs!
Top Safety Tips for Your Gas Furnace
Carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks are the top potential danger from a natural gas furnace and are difficult to detect. But a CO detector is an easy fix! Make sure you have one plugged in near your furnace and near bedrooms.
Smoke detector. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, fires are also a hazard with natural gas furnaces. Install a smoke detector near the furnace and at every level of your house to make sure you get a warning when there is any sign of smoke in your home.
Keep clear. Don’t store boxes, paint, cleaning supplies, or flammable items near the furnace or venting. Also be sure to clear dust and debris from around the furnace regularly.
Change the filter. A clogged HVAC filter can directly lead to a CO leak. With a dirty filter, your system can overheat and crack the heat exchanger. Changing the filter regularly is a safety must. Plus, it also saves you money! A clean filter allows the furnace to run efficiently which lowers your natural gas bill.
Seasonal maintenance. Before heating season, do a furnace tune up. Appliance savvy homeowners can tackle this on their own with a helpful furnace maintenance guide. Or you could hire a pro.
Know the warning signs. Yellow flames, rotten-egg smell, unusual odors, soot, banging, rattling, or persistent clicking are all signs that your system needs attention. In the case you run into any of these signs, shut the system off and call a pro.
Bonus Tip for Natural Gas Furnace Savings!
Do you have a gas furnace with a pilot light? If you do, the unfortunate news is that this setup actually wastes a lot of natural gas. This is especially true with older models. According to the DOE, older gas furnace system with a continuous pilot light only run at about 56-70% efficiency.
On the other hand, the good news is there is another option and there is still time to get a federal rebate on the upgrade. Newer, higher efficiency natural gas furnaces have electronic ignitions; there’s no pilot light. Natural gas furnaces like this can be 97% efficient or better.
The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit could cover 30% of project costs up to $600. But the new unit has to be installed by December 31st, so get a jump on it!
While you’re at it, save even more money on natural gas when you shop for a natural gas plan with us. Compare plans today at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.