Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are the second most common cause of home fires which is why it is crucial to be aware of possible problems before they initiate a fire hazard.
Your home’s HVAC system is essential to keeping a comfortable indoor temperature. However, it can also cause HVAC system fire hazards if you do not maintain it properly. Yes, it might sound ironic, but the system responsible for your home and office’s ventilation and cooling can also cause a destructive fire. In this article, we’ll tell you about the five most common HVAC system fire hazards and what you should do to prevent these mishaps.
Condensation may build in the heat exchanger due to low gas pressure. This can cause great fire damage and is one of the main HVAC system fire hazards. A poorly fitted connection can cause gas leaks, poor indoor air quality, and a significant gas furnace risk. You should check your gas pressure and connections during routine maintenance to avoid any damage.
Heating and air conditioning fires are often caused by electrical faults. As connections age, they tend to loosen up and become less secure over time. Dies result in greater demand on the furnace’s power, resulting in burned wires and, regrettably, the possibility of a furnace fire. Make sure your HVAC professional checks your electrical system as soon as you see smoke or burning smell emanating from your gas furnace.
A packed heater or air conditioner is an issue that can easily lead to an HVAC fire, and it should be avoided at all costs. Move any boxes, cartons, dusters, cleaning tools, or other things that are close to or sitting on your furnace right away. A crowded furnace poses a significant risk of your HVAC fire accidents – or even worse. To avoid fire concerns, leave at least two or three feet of space surrounding your HVAC unit.
Cracks in your HVAC system’s heat exchanger are no laughing matter. As a result, a carbon monoxide leak can occur, which can be really harmful. As well as being toxic when inhaled, CO2 is also very flammable. Extra carbon monoxide surrounding your HVAC unit is a surefire way to cause a furnace fire or other problems.
As an evident HVAC fire risk, a fuel line leak may be overlooked. On the other hand, a leaky gasoline line can go undetected for a long time if it is not properly maintained and checked. Any time your HVAC unit’s hot elements come in contact with extremely flammable fuel (oil or gas), you have a fuel line leak.
As we all know, heat plus fuel equals fire, and that’s not something you ever want to deal with. An HVAC specialist should be contacted right away if you smell oil or gas around your furnace.
As the air goes into the heating chamber, many heating systems use some form of fuel to warm it up. While fuel is very combustible, it should remain safely contained within your system’s pipes when everything is working properly. Because of the possibility of the fuel coming into contact with a hot element within the unit, a leaky fuel line is a cause for concern.
The connection between the unit and where the gas enters the system is also a concern. The pressure within the system can produce a gas leak if the connection is defective due to negligence or bad quality. When you have a defective gas connection, you may also notice concerns with your indoor air quality.
Your heating and cooling system should be adequately maintained in order to prevent a fire. Filters should be changed regularly, as should your ducts. Consult with a licensed HVAC specialist every two years to have your system inspected, cleaned, and tuned up. In the course of the maintenance visit, the technician performs several important duties, including:
Fires in HVAC systems can be just as dangerous as any other fire. Educating yourself with the most common HVAC system fire hazards can help you learn how to prevent them and check your HVAC system to ensure they are properly maintained. If you want to reduce the risk of gas leaks and fires drastically, make sure your HVAC system is installed and maintained properly.
If you are on the lookout for a trusted fire damage restoration company, make sure you check out 911 Restoration. They carry all the necessary equipment a home restoration company needs to ensure that you immediately move back to your house after a fire hazard.
Often, fire damage restoration results in water damage, which is also taken care of by 911 Restoration.
