Natural Gas Furnaces - Safety and Maintenance

Your most important source of safety and maintenance information is the owner’s manual that comes with your new natural gas furnace. Refer to it every time you have a question or concern.

Each year it is essential that you have your HVAC contractor inspect, clean and service your furnace. This small investment is good preventative maintenance.

At the beginning of the heating season:

• Clean or replace the air filter. This will ensure good air flow through your heating system which will optimize heat distribution in your home

• Some manufacturers may recommend cleaning the blower compartment every year. Refer to the instructions in your owner’s manual

Monthly:

• Clean or replace the air filter on your forced-air furnace. A clean filter increases air flow which improves air distribution.  

• Check that your outdoor vent is clear of obstructions and is not clogged with garden material or animal nests.

• Check that the hot air and return air registers in every room in your home are not obstructed.

• Ensure that there is no furniture obstructing a heating vent.

Warning signs your furnace is not working properly:

• Recent temperature control problems (too much or too little heat)

• Furnace start-up trouble

• A yellow or wavering flame

• Excessive soot or corrosion on the furnace or vents

• Signs that the flame is escaping from the furnace – scorch marks by the door or other opening.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Be alert for unusual odours or flames. These are all signs that repair is required.

If you smell gas (a "rotten egg" odour), contact Union Gas immediately at 877 969-0999. If servicing is required call an HVAC contractor or your retailer.

If you are experiencing nausea, headache, lethargy, or flu-like symptoms (all signs of carbon monoxide poisoning) call 911 immediately and leave the house. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off and you have no symptoms, open all doors and windows and contact a licensed HVAC contractor immediately.