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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

gas furnace

5 HVAC Fire Safety Tips to Remember as Winter Approaches

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As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of fire safety regulations and have regular HVAC maintenance performed.

If your AC system was running on heavy-duty during summer, it’s time to prepare your HVAC system for the winter. And, by that, we mean that you need to watch your furnace and the functioning of the whole system closely in order to prevent a home fire. According to statistics by the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of fires during the cold months, with over 50,000 fires each year. 

hvac fire safety

As a homeowner, you need to be aware of fire safety regulations when it comes to your HVAC system and do the necessary maintenance to ensure everything will be running smoothly during the upcoming season.

Here are 5 HVAC fire safety tips for the winter:

Keep the Furnace Room Unclogged

No matter what equipment you are using to heat up your home, keep any flammable materials at least two feet away from it. Many homeowners have a designated room or more like a closet where the furnace is, and they tend to use the apparent extra space to store boxes, cleaning supplies, rags, etc. That space is not to be used for storage, but it must be kept clear to prevent any fire.

Do Routine HVAC Maintenance each Fall

Your HVAC system should be checked by a professional each spring and each fall to make sure they run properly in the upcoming hot or cold season. Filters should be changed, the duct system inspected and any repairs should be done during the fall before they can cause an incident.

Check Each of Your Smoke Alarms

With all the precautionary measures, fires can start for a variety of unpredictable reasons. This is why you should have functional smoke alarms in every part of the house. Make sure you check them all before putting the furnace in use, change the batteries, and test them.

Check the Air Circulation in Your Duct System

Poor ventilation and air circulation can cause the furnace to overheat and develop other issues that lead to a fire. 

Install Gas Detectors If You Have a Furnace Running on Gas

Another line of defense against home fires, next to fire alarms, are gas detectors. If your furnace runs on gas, it’s very important to be warned when there is a leak, as gas is odorless and might not be noticed until it’s too late. 

Inspect the Equipment Regularly 

These five tips to increase fire safety in your home when winter comes are crucial to keep you and your family safe from hazards.

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Fall Furnace Checklist to Keep Your Gas Furnace Running at It’s Best

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A gas furnace requires the skills of a professional technician for proper maintenance and repair.

HVAC Maintenance

It’s officially fall in St. Louis which means cooler temperatures! It also means winter is on its way. Therefore, you want your gas furnace ready to go so that when it starts getting chilly, it’s ready to warm your home and keep your family comfortable.

To ensure it’s running at peak performance levels during the cold winter months, there are some things you can do now:

  • Change the Filter – Regular filter changes are the best way to make sure your equipment is running properly and that it’s keeping your air as clean as possible.
  • Thermostat – Fall is often a roller coaster of temperatures. It may be chilly at night but warm during the day. You may find yourself adjusting your thermostat all the time. This can seriously impact your utility bill. Either stick to you programmed comfort schedule, or if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, set the temperature and try not to fidget with it.
  • Leaves – If you have an air conditioner or heat pump, be sure to keep the outdoor unit free of leaves and debris to maintain proper airflow. Improper airflow can result in potential system breakdowns and decreased performance.
  • Maintenance – The best way to ensure your gas furnace is ready for winter is to schedule regular maintenance visits.

Preventative Maintenance Appointment

When you schedule an appointment with your HVAC specialist, here are the things your contractor will do:

  • Inspect – They will check all of the components of your system to make sure they are all working properly. This includes an inspection of your ventilation system.
  • Clean – They will clean the burner, heat exchanger and any other component that may need cleaning.
  • Check – They will check your furnace to make sure there aren’t any issues, rust spots or leaks, and will make sure that the electrical system is in proper working order.

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

The furnace repair technicians at Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC will analyze your system and provide you with the best solutions. After more than 30 years in the residential heating industry, we have hands-on experience working with the most popular manufacturers like Trane, Lennox, American Standard, Carrier, York, Amana and Goodman just to name a few.

Call (314) 471-7625 to schedule a free estimate!

Enhance the Performance of Your Gas Furnace

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If your existing furnace is in good working condition, learn how to enhance its performance.

gas furnace

The energy efficiency ratings of most modern furnaces is over 90 percent, which results in a considerable reduction in heating expenses and enhanced system performance. It is a good idea to look for the most cost-effective model whenever you need to replace an old gas furnace. If your existing gas furnace is not giving any major indications of being worn out, think twice before replacing it. It may be advisable to set aside some funds to enhance the performance of a furnace that is still in good working condition.

Regular HVAC Maintenance

Have the furnace checked by a St. Louis HVAC company annually, if possible, prior to the start of winter. Thoroughly inspecting the furnace ensures the safety of your home and that the HVAC components are in good working condition. All of the components, including the filtration and air distributions systems, along with the gas burners should be cleaned and fine-tuned by a HVAC technician to ensure optimal performance. Homeowners should also refer to the operating manual to check the kind of filter used in the furnace and when it should be replaced.

Upgrade the Thermostat

Replace a manually-adjustable thermostat with a programmable one. Programmable thermostats ensure that the equipment only operates whenever necessary and turns off automatically when it is not required. A number of programmable thermostats are available in the market. Look for a model that is simple to install and program. If your already have a programmable thermostat on your furnace, check the device regularly and make sure it is programmed according to the schedule of your family.

Plug Any Holes

Energy Star revealed that standard HVAC systems normally lose around 20 percent of air through leaks. Seal all leaks in the ductwork of the furnace, from the air handler up to the outlet registers. Duct tape may not be sufficient to seal these leaks. Duct sealing mastic or special adhesive foil tape should be used in its place. Duct mastic is a sticky material that can be purchased in tubs and can be applied on nearly all surfaces that can be reached using a paintbrush.

Use Insulation

Old HVAC systems may not have any insulation, which may cause heat loss despite having well-sealed ductwork. Since ductwork normally travels through crawl spaces and the attic, the heat loss will affect the comfort level in the house. Adding insulation in the ductwork will ensure the home is comfortable to live in and will reduce heating expenses. Insulation for the ductwork can be achieved using wrap-on rolls, blankets, and tubes.

For all your HVAC maintenance needs, call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 today!