With cooler weather rolling into Houston, it’s time to give your furnace the attention it deserves—not just for performance but for safety too. While our last blog focused on spotting problems with your furnace, this month we’re diving into furnace safety tips to keep your home warm and secure all winter long. At AIRTEAM Heating & Cooling, we believe that keeping your family comfortable also means keeping them safe. Here’s how to make sure your furnace is running safely this season.
Schedule a Professional Furnace Inspection
The most important step in furnace safety is scheduling a professional inspection before winter kicks in. Having your furnace checked by an experienced HVAC technician ensures all parts are functioning properly, and any issues are caught early.
Benefits of Annual Inspections
- Identify gas or carbon monoxide leaks
- Check for cracked heat exchangers
- Ensure electrical connections are secure
- Test burners for proper ignition and flame quality
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires, with furnaces contributing to a significant percentage of those cases. Regular inspections can prevent these risks and give you peace of mind.
If you’re overdue for a tune-up, give us a call for Furnace Repair in Houston and HVAC Service in Houston, and we’ll make sure your system is both efficient and safe.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
A dirty air filter doesn’t just reduce airflow and efficiency, it’s also a safety hazard. Clogged filters force your furnace to work harder, leading to overheating and potentially damaging components.
Why Filter Replacements Matter
- Prevents overheating and mechanical failures
- Reduces strain on your furnace
- Improves indoor air quality
- Lowers energy bills by improving efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends checking your filter every month and replacing it at least every 1-3 months, especially during peak seasons. As part of our preventative HVAC maintenance, we’ll inspect and replace filters to keep your system running smoothly all season long. This also helps cut down on huge HVAC repair bills due to neglected issues.
Keep Flammable Items Away from the Furnace
Your furnace needs space to operate safely. Make sure to clear the area around it and keep anything flammable—like boxes, cleaning supplies, paper, and fabrics—at least three feet away.
Items to Keep Clear of Your Furnace
- Household cleaning products
- Cardboard boxes or paper
- Curtains and rugs
- Clothing or laundry baskets
Many home fires are caused by heating equipment being too close to flammable materials. Keeping the area clear not only improves safety but also makes it easier for technicians to access the furnace during maintenance.
Install and Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Furnaces that burn natural gas or propane can produce carbon monoxide if something goes wrong with the system. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly, which is why detectors are essential for any home with a gas furnace.
Tips for Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Test detectors monthly and replace batteries yearly
- Install detectors on every level of your home
- Place detectors near sleeping areas for added safety
- Replace outdated detectors with modern models that display CO levels
If your detector alerts you to high levels of carbon monoxide, leave your home immediately, call emergency services, and have your furnace inspected by one of our Houston HVAC professionals.
Pay Attention to Unusual Odors or Noises
A properly functioning furnace should operate quietly and without any noticeable smells. If you notice a burning odor, rotten egg smell, or loud noises like banging, rattling, or squealing, these could be warning signs of a problem.
Common Causes of Odors and Noises
- Burning smells—overheating or dust burning off
- Rotten egg smells—possible gas leaks
- Loud noises—loose parts, airflow problems, or worn-out motors
Don’t ignore these warning signs—contact us for furnace repair in Houston right away if something seems off.
Check and Clean Vents and Ducts
Blocked vents can lead to poor airflow, making your furnace work harder than it should. Walk through your home and make sure all vents are clear of furniture, rugs, or curtains.
Maintenance Tips for Vents and Ducts
- Vacuum and dust vents regularly to prevent blockages
- Inspect ducts for leaks that could waste energy
- Have professional duct cleaning done every 3-5 years
Leaky ducts can waste up to 20% of the air your furnace produces, forcing it to run longer and increasing your energy costs. We can inspect and clean your ducts as part of a best practice for HVAC maintenance.
Test Your Thermostat for Accuracy
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to run too often or not enough, leading to uneven heating or system strain. Test your thermostat before winter begins to ensure it’s reading temperatures accurately.
Upgrading to a Programmable Thermostat Offers
- Energy savings with scheduled temperature adjustments
- Remote control access through smart thermostats
- Consistent indoor comfort without manual adjustments
If your thermostat isn’t performing properly, we can calibrate it or recommend upgrades as part of your HVAC service call.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Even with regular maintenance, emergencies can happen. Make sure you know how to shut off your furnace, gas line, and power source in case of an emergency.
Have These Numbers Handy for Emergencies
- AIRTEAM Heating & Cooling – (713) 936-5346
- Gas company emergency line
- Fire department or emergency services
At AIRTEAM, we’re always ready to help with any HVAC service in Houston and emergency repairs, so you’re never left in the cold.
Stay Safe and Comfortable This Winter—Contact AIRTEAM Today
Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm, but it’s up to you to make sure it’s operating safely. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns, improve efficiency, and protect your family from potential hazards.
If you haven’t had your furnace inspected yet this season, there’s no better time to schedule a tune-up. Our preventative HVAC maintenance (MVP Program) makes it easy to stay on top of your HVAC system’s needs with regular check-ups, priority service, and discounts on repairs.
Contact AIRTEAM Heating & Cooling today at (713) 956-8326. Let’s keep your home safe and comfortable this winter!
