Protecting Your Home from Furnace Fires

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that 1 in every 7 reported house fires involve heating equipment? While furnaces are a highly effective way to keep your home warm and cozy, they also can pose dangerous fire hazards. Most modern gas furnaces are equipped with safety mechanisms to prevent explosions and fires by automatically shutting off if overheating is detected. However, it’s important to be prepared in the event that this safety mechanism fails. There are several preventative measures you should take to keep your home safe from fires caused by your furnace. 

Leading Causes of Furnace Fires and How to Prevent Them

One of the most common causes of a furnace fire is the motor overheating. This can be caused by multiple things that overwork the motor in your furnace. One of these things is a dirty air filter. If the air filter on your furnace is bogged down with dust and debris, it restricts the airflow to your furnace. The restricted airflow makes the furnace work harder than it usually does to get the airflow it needs. This results in reduced efficiency as well as eventually causing the motor to overheat. Dirt buildup on the motor can also act as additional insulation, leading to overheating as well. This is why it is important that your vents are thoroughly cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

Make sure to perform routine checks on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month - especially during the winter when your furnace is going to be in use. This will allow you to know when a fire is occurring or about to occur, and give you a chance to stop the fire in its tracks. Preventing the fire will not only keep you safe, but it will also prevent fire damage to your house and belongings. If you do encounter any kind of fire damage in your home, our compassionate team of professionals will help you restore your property quickly and efficiently. 

What to do if Your Furnace Catches on Fire

Hopefully, you can avoid furnace fires altogether, but In the event where it’s too late for preventative measures, and your home is already ablaze, it’s important to act fast. If you have a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket on hand, use it to put out the fire as soon as possible. Once the fire is extinguished, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Alamo Heights and request our fire damage restoration services. Our team is fully equipped to handle fire damages big and small. We will restore your property, including your personal belongings, and focus on a “restore” versus “replace” mentality. From your precious family photos to your TV set, our team is capable of restoring your belongings to their pre-fire condition. 

Reliable Fire Damage Restoration by SERVPRO of Alamo Heights

SERVPRO of Alamo Heights is a trusted leader in the restoration industry. We employ highly trained fire damage restoration technicians you can count on to restore your property efficiently and compassionately. Because we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quickly to your urgent calls. When it comes to fire damage, we understand the importance of preserving your home and belongings, and will do everything we can to return your property to its original condition. If you require fire damage services or have any questions, feel free to give us a call at (210) 822-2063!