by Hortense Foster

Created on: October 31, 2009   Last Updated: October 31, 2011

Summer is on the way out, and cooler weather will arrive any day as the days become shorter. Before the people across the country begin to turn on their furnaces, they should do a routine inspection and maintenance on gas furnaces, so they will be prepared for the winter months ahead.

Here are safety tips for your gas furnace:

1. Allow free air movement by keeping warm air registers, return air openings clear of furniture rugs and drapes.

2. Replace or clean your furnace filter frequently during the heating season.

3. Have a yearly maintenance check of your furnace by a qualified heating contractor.

4. Don't store or use flammable vapors and liquids around your gas furnace.

5. Don't store paper, chemicals, paint, rags and cleaning product in the area around your furnace, these are combustible materials and will explode into a fire.

6. Has a maintenance person checked the furnace for any carbon monoxide leaks? This colorless, odorless and lethal gas can occur when there is poor venting. Make sure your furnace has a carbon monoxide alarm installed nearby.

7. Make sure your furnace thermostat is in working condition.

8. Check for proper flue assembly alignment.

9. Check the air intake.

10. Check the exhaust vent from the furnace.

11. Don't allow excess deposits of carbon deposits in the flue. Check the safety control and burner before turning on the furnace each heating season.

12. Natural gas should have a blue flame with a minimum amount of yellow on the tips of the flame.

13. The proper furnace fuel pressures must be present for proper furnace performance.

14. Check the belt that drives the blower for wear and tear, replace if needed. It should be taut, if not tighten to less than two inch deflection.

By analyzing, the flame your gas furnace is producing will give you the effect and the performance if it is performing efficiency. A professional technician will have the necessary tools to check your gas furnace performance. With the rising cost of fuel, it is important for not only safety but also considering the cost for your gas furnace to perform at it up most best.

Before the first frost nips at your nose and for a safe winter ahead, take the time to prepare your furnace for a full inspection by a professional or do it yourself if you are qualified. By following the furnace safety tips, you will have a safe and warm winter.

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