Furnace Safety Tips

Keeping warm this winter is important for your family and your home. While your furnace may be getting more use then usual we have a couple of safety tips to keep in mind in these winter months.

Keep Flammable Objects at a Distance

The area in and around you furnace should be clear of any flammable objects. When the furnace is operation the outside surfaces of the furnace become very hot and some materials may become very hot if they are in contact or near the furnace during operation. Keep things like papers, sawdust, old rags and flammable liquids away from the furnace.

Change your Filter Frequently

This tip is especially important for a couple of reasons.  If you filter is clogged it will not only cost you more money to run your system but blocking the airflow in home or office. If you airflow is blocked it could even damage your HVAC equipment and lead to expensive repair costs.

Install a carbon Monoxide Detector

Even if you have taken all the precautions possible with your furnace and heating system, it never hurts to be safe. Make sure you install carbon monoxide detectors on ever level of your home or office and test them yearly to make sure you are protected.

Annual Professional Furnace Tune Up

While these tips will help you keep your furnace and heating system going annual professional tune up is highly recommended. Our Preferred Planned Maintenance Program will pay for itself many times over in the reduction of repair costs and added longevity of your HVAC equipment.

For more furnace safety tips and to schedule you inspections of heating system call Bruce Inc.

Before You Call - Furnace Checklist.

It may be your first reaction to call you HVAC specialist Bruce Inc when you furnace is not producing heat. While there may be no heat coming out the vent there may be a very simple solution why. Here are some things to look at before you call:

Check the thermostat – Make sure your thermostat is set for heat and is at least at 68 F and above to make sure the temperature is set high enough for the furnace to be turned on.

Check your circuit breaker – If the furnace is not turning on you may have tripped the circuit breaker or blown a fuse.  There should be one breaker dedicated to your heating system for you home or office. Check the breaker box to see if this is your problem. If the problem persists give us a call.

See if you furnace is igniting properly – If you have a older had furnace be sure to see if the pilot igniting the correct way.  Also check the gas valve to make sure it is in good working order.

If you have gone through this checklist and your furnace is still isn’t producing heat don’t hesitate to call Bruce Inc at (509) 734-0669.

A Bright Solution to Germ Pollution

Healthy Climate germicidal UV and UVC lights are designed to control and eliminate biological contaminants. Easily installed inside your ductwork, these products emit powerful rays of ultraviolet light that penetrate the cell walls of biological contaminants so they can no longer grow, multiply and spread throughout your home.

Seven Things to Look for in a Home Comfort System

1. Reliability

Chances are, your heating and cooling system is the most expensive equipment you will purchase for your home. That’s why it’s important to choose proven products from a reputable manufacturer.

2. Efficiency

A new ENERGY STAR®-labeled system, when properly sized and installed, can save you up to 20% on your annual heating and cooling costs.* Plus, it may qualify you for utility rebates** and tax credits.***

3. Quiet Operation

The sound of a standard furnace can be as loud as 100 decibels, comparable to the sound of a kitchen garbage disposal! Air conditioners can produce sounds as high as 80 decibels. Look for technologies and features that help keep operating sound at a comfortable level.

4. Consistent Temperatures

With a typical furnace or single-speed air conditioner, indoor temperature can vary as much as seven degrees from the thermostat setting. Variable speed and/or two-stage systems give you the assurance of precise temperature control.

5. Balanced Humidity

To maintain proper moisture levels in your home, choose a thermostat that controls both temperature and humidity. You might also consider a variable speed and/or two-stage comfort system and dehumidifier.

6. Proper Airflow

A typical furnace motor runs at one speed and circulates a constant volume of air, so it responds to changing comfort demands by repeatedly cycling on and off. This frequent cycling increases air stratification and stagnation. For optimal air circulation, choose a variable speed model.

7. Healthy Air

One of the best ways to combat indoor pollution is to attach an air cleaner to your furnace or air handler. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your system is working to capture small contaminants in every room of your home.