• Fredericksburg, Stafford, King George and Spotsylvania
  • Monday-Friday
    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
24/7 Emergency Service

540-295-6697

close
Gas Furnace Orange Flame
Sep

Dangers of Gas Furnaces

Dangers of a Gas Furnaces                                        

Gas Furnace Orange Flame
Gas Furnace Orange Flame

                                                         

5 ways to keep your Family Safe this winter

  1. Make sure you have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in your home!

Gas / Propane furnaces can develop leaks and cracks over time that allow deadly carbon monoxide gas to escape into the home. Older gas furnaces are at an even greater risk. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it is impossible to detect until it is too late in most cases.

To reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, Have D and L Mechanical Services test your furnace then install a carbon monoxide detector and have it installed in the proximity of the furnace. Carbon monoxide detectors could save you and your family’s life in the event of a emergency.

  1. Turn Off the Gas to the Furnace.

Most new gas furnaces have an electronic pilot flame. However if you have an older one with a standing pilot turning off the gas valve it is a simple, two-minute task that greatly reduces the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Making sure your gas / propane furnace is operating properly! Incorrect gas pressures can cause catastrophic damage to you, your family and property. Checking gas pressures on your furnace involves some sophisticated equipment that only HVAC professionals have.

  1. Keep the Area Clear

Too often, accidental fires are caused by improperly storing items too close to a gas furnace. Keep the area around the furnace free from old boxes, loose paper, clutter or debris. (We know it’s tempting, but your furnace room is not supposed to be a storage closet.) Be especially careful not to keep gasoline, cleaning products or other combustibles anywhere near the furnace.

  1. If You Smell Gas, Evacuate Immediately and call 911

If you smell gas, there’s a serious risk. Don’t take chances. Avoid igniting any sort of flame or using any type of electrical device. Don’t flip light switches on or off, and don’t attempt to use any kind of appliance. If there’s a gas leak, any of the above can trigger an explosion. Evacuate the home immediately, turn off the gas supply from the outside meter and call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor’s house.

  1. Get It Serviced

One of the best ways to avoid danger is to have your gas furnace serviced on a regular basis. This is especially important if your furnace is old. Newer models have sensors that shut down the furnace if a problem is detected, but older models do not. Ideally, you should have your furnace cleaned and inspected once a year in the fall.

Call us today to schedule you Furnace inspection @ 540-295-6697

[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS]