Furnace Safety: The Hidden Dangers an HVAC Technician Can Uncover

When’s the last time you had an HVAC technician in to check your commercial heating system?

Your answer should be “regularly,” but it’s easy to forget – especially if it runs smoothly most of the year. That is until it breaks down in the middle of a cold snap.

But that’s not the only reason you make regular appointments with a professional. Read on to learn about the dangers an HVAC technician can spot before they become a problem.

An impending system failure

If you’re like many people, you get two dental cleanings and a physical every year. Why? To keep your body functioning in tip-top shape.

Your furnace needs the same sort of maintenance to keep working, otherwise, you risk it breaking down at the worst time (like in the middle of winter). A quick physical by an HVAC technician help you catch small problems before they cause a breakdown – and your furnace will likely last years longer, saving you more money in the long run.

Short-cycling

Heaters that start and then stop quickly are probably suffering from short-cycling.

Short-cycling can happen for a number of reasons – a dirty filter, a leak – that are easy fixes if caught early on. Wait too long and it could stop working altogether.

Fire hazards

Blocked vents in your furnace can cause any number of problems, ranging from poor heating to even fire.

Fires can start in your furnace for a number of other reasons, including overloaded circuits and wiring, but a regular HVAC check can help you spot those problems before it’s too late.

Allergies and respiratory illnesses

Mold, bacteria, and spores can grow in furnaces that aren’t functioning correctly. These nasty germs then spread when the furnace runs, blowing them throughout the building – and into the lungs of people who frequent the building, leading to allergic reactions and respiratory illnesses.

Changing out filters and cleaning the inside of a furnace is something a technician does with a checkup, saving people from experiencing nasty side effects.

Carbon monoxide leaks

Carbon monoxide isn’t called “the silent killer” for no reason; it kills over 5,100 people a year, mostly because our senses can’t pick up on the poisonous gas until it’s too late.

An improperly maintained furnace can create carbon monoxide leaks if not checked regularly. An HVAC technician can stop any potential leaks by inspecting and cleaning the combustion chamber, if necessary.

Irregular maintenance can void your warranty

Furnace companies will replace damaged parts through their warranties, but an irregular service schedule can void your warranty. You’ll be on the hook for all repair costs – and even total replacement of your furnace.

Most warranties only over repairs made by a licensed technician, too, so don’t trust your expensive system to just anyone off the street.

An HVAC technician can stop problems before they start

Being proactive about your furnace maintenance can stop potential problems before they start. Contact us today to get your furnace system serviced and enjoy a warm and stress-free season ahead.