December 23, 1977

Heating equipment safety tips

      White River Township Volunteer Fire investigator Dave McDaniel recently solicited and received a variety of advice from area heating dealers pertaining to steps that can be taken to assure that residential heating equipment is in proper working order.  McDaniel solicited their recommendations following a growing number of residential fires during the last two weeks in the northwestern part of Johnson County.  He cautioned that heating equipment is in continuous operation during the winter and should be checked by the owner at least once a week. 
 

The following precautions are offered by the fire department:

• Check air filters and replace if necessary
• Check blower motor and fan; remove all lint and dust; check and oil all bearings in both
• Check belts
• Check and clean oil filter on oil line outside
• Check oil tank for water which could prevent trouble later
• If the furnace is gas and gas odor is smelled, call your gas company immediately. 
• Make sure flue and all joints are sealed and pipes are good above furnace
• Close off rooms not in use
• Check for oil leaks under pump
• Check for oil smell
• Check for carbon monoxide
• Watch for disruptions in furnace flame such as having to relight the pilot often on gas furnaces
• Watch for flame inside furnace that goes in all directions; this is an indication of a bad heat exchanger
• Most furnaces have safety cutoffs if overheated; have them checked
• You should never reset your furnace more than one time; if your furnace does not start then; call your service man
• Listen to your furnace and know the sounds it makes and how it acts so when you are in bed at night and hear a strange noise, you can tell if something’s wrong
• Last but not least, have your furnace check by a qualified serviceman.

 

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