When comparing gas-burning appliances and electrical appliances, safety is one of the core considerations. It makes sense! Electrical systems just don’t rely on combustion and they don’t run the risk of expelling fumes like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, and gas. These are just unfortunate realities of heating homes in our area.
However, before that becomes the sole reason for choosing an electrical heating system, we’d like our customers to hear us out. Gas furnaces are actually incredibly safe and efficient, to the point where they can run for a decade or more without as much as a safety hiccup.
Hard to believe, right? Well, it starts to make a lot of sense when you take a look under the hood of a gas furnace. Instead of doing that and risking furnace repair in Strongsville, OH, we’re going to go through some unique safety mechanisms in this blog that might make you feel safer this winter season.
The Flame Sensor
Every time your gas furnace turns on to warm up your home, the flame sensor turns on as well. This component basically sits there and detects when the gas is being burned and heat is being generated. As a sensor, it can detect when the gas is not being burned, and will thusly turn the system off and cut off access to natural gas.
So, if you are ever scared of your furnace leaking gas into your home, this component is here to protect you! It will shut off the furnace whenever gas isn’t being burned for some odd reason, and your home will remain safe. However, this component can get dirty over time and requires regular cleanings with routine maintenance.
The Heat Exchanger
What about carbon monoxide and the fumes that are created through combustion? Do those endanger your family when the furnace turns on?
Nope! The heat exchanger is the first line of defense, a clam-shaped component that keeps all of the products of combustion separate from the breathable air of your home. This component is made out of some pretty strong metal, so it takes a lot of time and friction for it to finally crack.
The Port Exhaust System
Then, the fumes like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and smoke, are all sent outside to dissipate into the atmosphere thanks to the port exhaust! Make sure your port exhaust is open and actively working, otherwise your furnace might have a safety issue.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
And, after all of that, you’ve still got carbon monoxide detectors to vigilantly watch for any sign of carbon monoxide in your home. Basically, there are a lot of components working day and night to ensure that your home stays safe and warm without any safety side-effects.
Remember, all of these components can run into problems over time. Constant friction, malfunctions, and inefficient operation can create safety concerns where there were none, so be sure to schedule routine maintenance and repairs when the time comes.
Contact Westland Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing to have your furnace repaired or maintained, ensuring your home stays safe!
