Gas Furnace And Boiler Safety 101

Gas furnace and boiler safety is based on two serious realities of a home heating system: an open flame and combustion gases. Safe maintenance of these are not items that should appear on the do-it-yourself list of the average homeowner. Professional preventive maintenance and skilled repair are required when working with equipment that produces a flame, high temperatures and deadly carbon monoxide gas.

A trained HVAC technician has the specialized equipment to analyze the combustion process and ensure the safe operation of the equipment. Give gas furnace and boiler safety the highest priority and schedule maintenance for your heating equipment today.

Here’s what the technician will do:

• Utilize carbon monoxide detection equipment to evaluate the flue gases and the area surrounding the furnace for excessive levels of dangerous carbon monoxide.

• Check the condition of the burner and evaluate the color and temperature of the flame to ensure proper combustion.

• Measure the gas pressure at the manifold to detect possible gas leaks in the supply line from the gas main.

• Visually verify that the exhaust vent is unobstructed by blockages, such as leaves or bird nests.

• On a boiler, verify the operation of the pressure relief valve and make sure that the installed valve matches the manufacturer’s specs for pressure relief.

• Check the operation of the thermocouple that shuts off gas flow if the burner flame or pilot light goes out.

• Test the operation of the furnace high limit switch, a safety device that shuts down your furnace in the event of overheating.

• Compare the displayed temperature on the thermostat to the actual reading on a mercury thermometer and calibrate the thermostat if necessary.

• Remove any flammable material from the vicinity of the furnace or boiler such as objects improperly stored in the furnace closet.

• Walk through the home and verify that all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed by furniture.

In Wilmington and surrounding areas, Sobieski Services keeps the interior environment comfortable and safe all year round. Call us now for a gas furnace and boiler safety check to ensure a safe heating season.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

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