Winter may be ending soon, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep up your furnace in your Olympia, WA, home. After all, Washington State can be damp and moist throughout the year. Even when you’re not using your furnace, you should have contractors come for regular maintenance to ensure it’s up to specification and safe to use anytime. Otherwise, there may be consequences that could cost you and your family. Here are the dangers of avoiding furnace maintenance Olympia-based.
Carbon Monoxide Exposure
Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous gases out there. Unlike the gas you use as fuel, carbon monoxide is odorless and clear. Therefore, it can seep out your furnace and into the main part of your home silently. You’ll know you’re being you’ve been overexposed if you begin to feel nauseous or have lingering headaches. You may feel confused and lethargic. Too much exposure can result in falling asleep and never waking up.
Gas Leaks
Gas isn’t something to play with. Therefore, if you suspect a gas leak due to the smell or hissing sounds, alert authorities immediately. When you have regular maintenance on your furnace, they can check the gas line to ensure nothing is wrong. However, without maintenance, you may have a crack or leak in that system. If you don’t find out in time, gas can cause a devastating explosion that can hurt you and your property.
Fire Risk
Of course, a gas leak is a fire risk, but it’s not the only one when it comes to not keeping up with furnace maintenance. If you make the mistake of having clutter inside or near the furnace, it can also inadvertently provide fuel. Something as simple as dust build-up can be enough to spark a fire if you’re not careful. Luckily, your professional furnace contractors will clean out the furnace of any such debris and advise you to place any clutter in a different location.
Water Damage
When you think of a furnace, you think of a very hot area that heats your home, which is true. Did you know that water could even leak out from the furnace? Any water leaking from places that it shouldn’t will cause property damage. If you don’t discover the leak soon enough, it could cause mildew and mold to form. It could ruin the underlying structure of the wall or floor it’s leaking on. As a result, you’ll have an expensive repair on your hands. In addition to repairing the physical structure, you may also have to deal with mold remediation.
A well-maintained furnace can ensure you and your family stay warm throughout any chilly Washington night. However, don’t take your furnace for granted. You must take the time to maintain it, as you would any other feature in your home. Even if you’re not using your furnace for months, always ensure you have regularly scheduled maintenance visits, so you know everything is OK. After all, the last thing you want are explosive gas leaks or mold-producing water leaks.
