Mobile Home Safety - Furnace Safety
Caution: Never attempt to repair gas lines yourself. If you smell gas, get everyone
out. Use your neighbor's phone to call a qualified repair person or the gas company
immediately. If possible, shut off the gas main from outside the home.
- Clean or change furnace
filters regularly. Replace disposable filters.
Wash, brush or vacuum permanent filters.
- Check the exhaust vent
from the furnace. Clear obstructions
such as leaves or animal nests from the vent pipe. Keep roof exhaust vents clear
of snow.
- Inspect the blower motor
with the power off.
Vacuum any accumulated dirt. If the owner's manual calls for it, oil the motor.
Inspect the V-belt and pulleys for wear. Tighten the belt if it moves more than
an inch when you push it.
- Check air intake. Most mobile
home furnaces draw combustion air from beneath the home. To allow air to pass freely
beneath the home, the skirting should have four to six vents.
- Replace carpeting in
the furnace compartment with
sheet metal or other
fireproof material. Newer home furnaces have wire
mesh in front of the stack to prevent storage on top of the furnace. If this mesh
is missing, replace it.
- Be sure the thermostat
on your furnace is
in good working condition
by keeping it clean. Have it checked periodically by a heating
professional.
- Clean out debris in
the furnace area. Never use your
furnace closet for storage or drying clothes.
- Check the flue assembly
(when cool) for alignment
and rigidity. The flue should run in a straight
line from the top of the furnace through the ceiling. Be sure the flue is attached
to the furnace collar. Check for loose wiring near the flue. If you find any, move
it and secure it well away from the flue pipe.
- Keep the flue pipe
free of excessive deposits
of carbon. Have your furnace maintenance person
check and clean the flue pipe, fuel lines, safety controls and burner before each
heating season.