HVAC Safety Tips

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to your HVAC system.

September 26, 2022
An HVAC technician works on an American Standard Platinum Series Variable Speed system.

With DIY books, blogs, TV shows and podcasts, there’s never been more free content out there to help you take on basic maintenance around the house. However, it’s important to remember to follow safety guidelines to avoid accidental injury. If you’re planning on troubleshooting problems with your HVAC system yourself, keep these furnace and air conditioner safety tips in mind.

Furnace safety tips

One of the most overlooked safety concerns when repairing or maintaining an HVAC system is carbon monoxide poisoning. When not properly maintained and monitored, your HVAC system could quickly become a health hazard either due to a damaged system, a diagnostic problem or inadequate maintenance. Because carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, it’s hard to detect, and prolonged exposure can lead to brain damage and even death. To protect you and your family, keep a carbon monoxide detector with fresh batteries near the furnace at all time. When dealing with any gas-burning system, be sure to follow furnace safety tips by turning off the gas and the power switch and following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. If you smell gas while maintaining your furnace, don’t try to fix the leak or shut off the gas yourself. Leave the house immediately and call your utility company’s emergency hotline.

Air conditioner safety

When it comes to air conditioner safety, always make sure you turn off the power switch when performing basic maintenance such as clearing debris from the outdoor unit or dusting off the evaporator coils. It’s best to have a qualified, licensed electrician service any electrical issue you may be having. Air conditioning units should be inspected regularly to make sure they’re not only safe, but also that potential issues can be caught early to avoid costly repair. Preventative maintenance will nearly always save you money in the long run.

Professional HVAC safety

Of course, the best HVAC safety precaution you can take is to call an American Standard Customer Care dealer. One of our dealers can come out to your home to perform a diagnostic check and repair any issue you may have with your HVAC system. Rather than attempt repairs yourself, our certified and trained technicians will safely service your HVAC unit so you don’t have to get your hands dirty, and your furnace and air conditioner continue to keep you comfortable.


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