Furnaces are designed to be out of the way of your daily life. Most are located in the basements of homes, or they may be found in garages or specially designated closets.
Unfortunately, as a side-effect of being in an out-of-the-way spot of a house, furnaces often attract clutter. People store items and toss items aside into places like the basement or the garage. If you aren’t cautious, you may come to the end of the winter with a furnace that’s surrounded by clutter.
You don’t want this! It’s bad for the furnace and may be harming it right now. It also creates a safety risk. We’ll go over why you definitely want to declutter your furnace. We want to help you avoid heating repair in Ashland.
Restricted Airflow
One of the primary issues with clutter around a furnace is that it restricts airflow. Your furnace relies on a steady intake of air to operate efficiently and maintain optimal performance. When clutter surrounds the furnace, it hampers the airflow, forcing the system to work harder than necessary. This increased workload can lead to a decline in heating efficiency, ultimately putting stress on the furnace components. To prevent this, it’s crucial to maintain a clear space around your furnace, allowing for proper ventilation and airflow.
Overheating Components
In addition to restricted airflow, clutter can also contribute to the overheating of furnace components. Furnaces generate heat to warm your home, and without adequate ventilation, this heat can build up around the system. Over time, this excess heat can lead to damage or premature wear and tear on critical furnace components. Regularly inspecting the area around your furnace and clearing away any obstructions will help stop overheating issues and prolong the lifespan of your heating system.
Fire Hazards
Clutter around the furnace often results in the accumulation of dust and debris. These particles may seem harmless, but they can become a fire hazard when exposed to the heat generated by the furnace or possibly from sparks or an accidental flame roll-out. You also want to make absolutely sure that you don’t store any combustible or highly flammable materials anywhere near the furnace, such as paint thinner or stacks of old newspapers. The combination of clutter and combustible materials creates a significant risk.
Trouble Signs
If you notice strange noises from your furnace or inconsistent heating, we recommend you check to see that the furnace unit doesn’t have any accumulation of clutter around it. Clearing the area may solve the problem. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to call for help from our professionals to see what needs to be repaired.
Maybe the Furnace Is Now Clutter
If you have a gas furnace that’s more than 15 years old, you need to be especially careful, as older furnaces are more likely to suffer from airflow issues and to create combustion dangers. If your furnace is already this old, then you might be better off having it replaced before next winter. Make sure the furnace has a clean area around it at all times!
Call on Air Supreme Heating and Air Conditioning for all your furnace and other heating needs. Supreme Service You Can Count On!