As the weather cools down, it’s time to get the heaters running. If your building’s heating system relies on a gas furnace, you should be aware of the potential hazards that arise when it is turned back on. Although it is not inherently dangerous to run a gas furnace, there are potential risks. Here is what you need to know about gas furnace safety.
Understanding Potential Hazards
Any appliance that combusts natural gas for operating has the potential of combusting or leaking toxic substances. Carbon monoxide is the toxic byproduct of natural gas combustion. Most people know the dangers of carbon monoxide, as prolonged exposure could result in death. But all of this is preventable with proper maintenance.
How to Keep Your Furnace Safe
The best precaution you can take is to perform annual maintenance right before the system goes live. Professional HVAC technicians will look at the furnace to ensure everything is in working condition, and most importantly, there are no cracks on the surface. Cracks can leak carbon monoxide into the air, so they must be identified before your furnace runs.
While gas furnaces don’t pose a serious threat to a building, there is always a risk of carbon monoxide leaks or fires if a furnace is not regularly inspected each year.