Usually, your biggest fear regarding your home’s heater is that it might need to be repaired or replaced. There are, however, other dangers that can accompany running your heater. If you’re curious about the dangers of your furnace or space heater, consult the list below.
For Space Heaters
Like all heaters, space heaters pose threats of fire. Improper placement and misuse are the biggest causes of space heater-related fires. So store them away from flammable objects/liquids and out of high-traffic areas in your home. A danger that’s less common, since it’s associated specifically with gas-powered space heaters, is the buildup of carbon monoxide (the toxic and odorless byproduct of burning natural gas).
For Gase Heaters and Furnaces
Leaky gas lines are one of the primary risks of operating a gas-powered heater. Natural gas (consisting of primarily methane), is not poisonous in and of itself. It is, however, highly flammable. Because of this, you probably don’t want it leaking into your home. Typically, gas companies include easy-to-smell chemicals that make amounts of methane, which is typically odorless, easily detectable.
Gas-powered units that haven’t been properly installed run the risk of having insufficient ventilation. If the furnace is too close to a wall, ceiling, unit of shelving, or other items, it won’t be allowed proper airflow, which creates another fire hazard. Additionally, units without adequate ventilation can cause carbon monoxide to build up. Improperly sealing the front panel of the unit during operation can contribute to carbon monoxide buildup. Other factors that contribute are dirty filters and cracks in internal parts of the furnace.
For Electric Heaters and Furnaces
The risks of electric heaters are mainly fire-related. Improper installation (loose connections or short-circuits in the wiring) can cause damaging power surges or electrical fires. If you are installing or maintaining the unit yourself, electrocution is also a risk, so take the proper safety precautions.
As a matter of fact, always take the proper safety precautions. The best way to avoid these issues is to have annual inspections performed by HVAC specialists. For fire and gas related risks, frequently check to ensure that the detectors in your home are working properly.
