The HVAC system in your home is designed for safe, reliable operation. Nevertheless, things can go wrong, especially as the equipment ages or if you fail to get preventative maintenance through the years. The result can be HVAC safety hazards that you should address. Let’s have a look at a few.
1. Electrical wiring.
You probably aren’t going to be working on your HVAC system’s wiring, but when you schedule maintenance, discuss with your technician the state of the wires inside your unit. Ask him to test connections. Old, frayed wiring can be a source of fires, so it’s best to replace it. A power surge during an electrical storm can fry your wiring. If that happens, you may need to call an electrician and an HVAC specialist to the rescue. Let your technician check the wiring to the thermostat to look for loose connections or fraying.
2. Carbon monoxide and gas fumes.
Deadly CO can occur when your furnace heat exchanger cracks and starts emitting gases during the combustion process. Your HVAC tech will check your furnace every year during maintenance to make sure any cracks have not widened substantially. The inspection should also include gas flues and chimneys.
3. Mold.
Mold buildup in the HVAC system is rare, but it can happen, particularly if your condensate drain is plugged and condensation starts overflowing inside your unit.
Another source of moisture could be the evaporator coils. When they’re dirty, they may not remove moisture properly. Damp conditions can prevail, leading to mold. Further, dirty air filters impede airflow, preventing condensation of moisture on evaporator coils, and again, damp conditions. Mold spores present a danger to sensitive individuals.
4. Fire hazards.
If you have your HVAC regularly inspected, it shouldn’t be a fire hazard. However, stowing flammable items near the furnace is not a good idea, in case there’s an electric short or a gas leak.
For more on HVAC safety hazards, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing of Indianapolis. We provide quality HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations.
