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Our Heater Safety Checklist

Do you have a heater? Well, of course you do. But is your heater working safely and effectively? That’s probably a harder question to answer and if you’re struggling with a response then we don’t blame you. It’s hard for homeowners to understand just how safe their heaters are functioning.

That’s why we’ve taken the approach of giving you our personalized, homeowner heater safety checklist. With each of these points, you’ll be able to further understand how safe your heater is working, and how badly you need repairs from our team. HVAC in North Port, FL doesn’t have to be complicated when it comes to safe heater practices, and we can help you get to the point where you sleep soundly at night knowing your system is as safe as can be!

Step 1: Shut the Heater Off

It’s generally a bad idea to try and make any changes to your heating system while it’s on. This can be both bad for safety and efficiency, and will lead to a breakdown if you’re not careful. Shut the system off before you do anything and make sure there are no moving parts that you interact with.

Step 2: Change the Air Filter

The first and most important thing you can do as a homeowner is to change the air filter. The air filter is responsible for filtering out contaminants and debris that will gunk up the system and cause it to breakdown or lose efficiency. When it comes to safety, a clogged air filter will cause your heater to overheat. In the case of a furnace, an overheating furnace can either breakdown or become a serious safety hazard.

By changing the air filter regularly, you can add years to the lifespan of your heater and make sure there is adequate airflow to the system. This is easily one of the best things you can do to prevent safety issues from cropping up.

Step 3: Use Your Senses

Turn your system on again and be vigilant. Take a look around your heater and use your eyes. At the same time, when you turn the system on, use your ears to listen to any noises it might make and utilize your nose to pick up on any smells that might be coming from it as well.

If anything seems out of the ordinary—a bad smell, a screeching sound, or the smell of gas—then you absolutely need professional help. These kinds of things can be huge clues into a problem occurring within your heating system. Yes, they can be dangerous when ignored for long periods of time, and yes, they can lead to a breakdown eventually.

Step 4: Call Us

When you’ve noticed there’s a problem or something not right in your heating system, you need to call for professional help. Don’t search for a DIY tutorial video online, or go to your local hardware store to ask for tools, just call our team. We can provide comprehensive care that you need to keep you and your family safe.

Call Jim McDonald & Sons Heating & Cooling Inc. for heater care that goes above and beyond. Cooling Sarasota and Manatee Counties since 1970

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