🔥 HVAC Heating Safety Tips for a Safe Season

Holly Seal
Dec 2
2 min read

When the temperatures drop, your home’s heating system becomes one of the most important parts of your everyday comfort. But along with keeping your home warm, it’s essential to make sure your system is operating safely. A little preparation and a few simple habits can go a long way in preventing hazards, improving efficiency, and extending the life of your equipment.

At Comfort Tech A/C & Heating, your family’s comfort and safety always come first. Here are some must-know heating safety tips to keep your home warm and worry-free this season.

1. Test Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your heating system should never put your family at risk, but alarms are your essential line of defense. Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace batteries often. If you don’t have CO detectors installed, add them. They’re an inexpensive, potentially life-saving upgrade.

2. Keep a 3-Foot Safety Zone Around Heaters & Furnaces

Your furnace needs room to breathe. Storing boxes, clothing, holiday decorations, or cleaning supplies too close to your heating system can become a serious fire hazard. Give your furnace a minimum 3-foot clearance on all sides to keep airflow open and reduce the

risk of overheating.

3. Change Your Filter Regularly

A dirty filter doesn’t just affect your comfort, it can force your system to work harder, restrict airflow, and even cause overheating. For most homes, filters should be replaced every 30–90 days, depending on usage, pets, and indoor air quality needs. Fresh filters equals better airflow, better efficiency, and safer operation.

4. Schedule Routine Heating Maintenance

Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular tune-ups to stay safe and reliable. During a professional inspection, our technicians check for:

Gas or electrical issues
Ventilation problems
Cracked heat exchangers
Dirty or damaged components
Anything that could pose a safety risk

Routine maintenance helps catch small problems before they become expensive, or dangerous.

5. Never Block Vents or Returns

It may be tempting to place furniture over a vent or close off certain rooms, but doing so restricts airflow and creates pressure imbalances in your system. This can cause overheating, reduce efficiency, and in some cases, become a fire hazard. Keep all vents and returns open and unobstructed for safe, even comfort throughout your home.