Natural Gas Furnace Safety Basics to Help Prevent Winter Fires at Your Ulster County Business

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Extra fire safety in the winter time is a must for any Ulster County business!

Winters can be long and cold, especially in the Hudson Valley. While most businesses find themselves turning up the heat during the cold months of the year to accommodate for drafty doors and windows, it’s especially important to help keep everyone safe as well during our cold, snowy winters.

Natural gas furnaces have become more popular in recent years because they provide steady heat and can be both affordable and efficient options. Since a lot of businesses are housed in old homes and not necessarily a large commercial structure, residential gas furnace safety measures should be followed. Take care to learn the type of furnace your company or property has so you can stay ahead of the maintenance.

However, if you choose a natural gas furnace, then you’ll need to remember to take some safety precautions that aren’t necessary when using electric heating.

Making Your Property Safer with a Natural Gas Furnace

Here’s what you need to know about heating with natural gas:

Be sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed. These inexpensive detectors are a vital safety feature for any building with natural gas heating. They detect carbon monoxide, which is odorless before it becomes dangerous to humans. Many are combination smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detector and are an efficient way cover all the bases for detection.

Keep anything flammable away from the furnace. To use your natural gas furnace safely, it needs to be clear of papers, wood, fabric and debris on all sides. Also, consider sweeping around the furnace on a regular basis, so the area stays clear. Don’t store items like paint cans and chemicals near the furnace, keep cardboard and storage boxes away and on shelves. Avoid propping up ladders, shovels and other maintenance tools on the furnace as well.

Check your filters regularly. Looking to see if your filter needs to be changed once a month is enough to make your furnace safer.

Don’t neglect regular service. Even if your furnace is working, it’s worth having a heating and air professional take a yearly look at it to let you know it’s in good shape. This is a great way to also catch issues before they become more expensive repairs.

Evacuate the building if you smell natural gas. Most people note that natural gas smells like rotten eggs. If you notice this odor, shut off your gas and leave the building. Call 911 to report it and follow their instructions for safety and the next steps. Then call to have your unit serviced and the gas leak found and repaired asap.

If you’re dealing with any type of fire, water, sewage or storm damage to your business, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Kingston/New Paltz. We’ve been the LOCAL experts in commercial property remediation for over 29 years. We’re available and here to help 24/7 for any emergency.