Safety Tips for Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are one of the most common types of furnaces found in modern homes. Gas furnaces can also be dangerous if not cared for properly. Gas furnace safety rules apply to both natural gas and propane furnaces. Most of these same rules also apply for oil furnaces.

Gas leaks:

If you smell gas in your home, get out immediately and call the gas company or fire department. Do not use the phone inside your home. Do not turn on any lights or other electrical devices. Do not attempt to locate a gas leak with a candle, this has been done and the results were not good. Gas leaks can be detected with soapy water but it is really best to get professional help with leaks. When you leave your home, leave the door open to allow fumes to escape and do not go back inside until you have been given an all clear from the gas company or fire department.

Furnace clearance:

Gas furnace installations require a clearance distance from walls and other appliances or storage areas. Do not store combustible materials near the furnace. The furnace does give off heat and many cleaners and solvents emit vapors that can ignite from that heat. You should also not have any materials stored within 6 inches of the vent pipe.　

Keeping it clean:

The burner area of your furnace should be kept clean. Excess dust and debris should not be allowed to accumulate on or around the furnace. Furnace filters should be replaced as often, or more often, as the filter manufacturer suggests. Rust and scale can build up on burners and interfere with gas flow. Enough build up of debris in this area can start a fire within the furnace itself. Heating registers into rooms should be kept clean and no more than 20 percent should be shut off. Excessive build up of heat inside the furnace can occur if it has nowhere to go.

Pilot lighting:

If you do not have an electronic igniter you may on occasion have to relight the pilot light for your furnace. Instructions for re-lighting your pilot light will be in your owners manual and should also be on the service panel for your furnace. In general the first step is to shut off the gas to the furnace at the pilot light assembly. Wait at least three minutes for gas to dissipate. Turn the valve on the assembly to the pilot position and depress the button. Hold a lighted match to the pilot opening and keep the pilot button depressed until the flame burns brightly. At this point turn the switch to the on position. If the flame does not stay lit you may repeat the procedure but be certain to allow time for the gas to dissipate in between attempts. If, after a couple of tries, your pilot will not stay lit call for professional furnace repair.

Carbon monoxide:

Gas furnaces can produce carbon monoxide. Unlike the gas in the furnace itself, carbon monoxide is odorless. Even with a properly cleaned and adjusted furnace, carbon monoxide can be produced. It may not be noticed in a home until there has been significant build up and the residents have already been effected. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death. It is very important to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

　

References:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/heating-and-cooling/how-to-maintain-a-furnace1.htm

http://www.nationalfurnace.com/advice.htm