Are Dusty Vents a Fire Hazard for Your Cochranton Home?

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

When was the last time you changed the filter to the furnace? Did you know it is recommended every 3 months?

The air vents in your Meadville, Cranberry, Linesville, and surrounding areas home are not necessarily the first item on your weekly cleaning list. Let’s be honest, they really are not that gratifying to clean, and you need a screwdriver. “Ain’t nobody got time for that.” But SERVPRO of Crawford / NE Venango Counties is here to tell you why you should make the extra effort.

• Is a dusty vent really a fire hazard? Yes! Buildup of dust, dander, and soot is a fire hazard. Any large pile of dust can be ignited either by contact with a spark, or if the surface it is settled on becomes very hot. Also, if a heating unit is older, does not work well, and works extra hard at your chilly Pleasantville home, it can also throw sparks.
• How does it ignite? The burners and heat the exchanger of the furnace are the components that heat the air of your home. The burners heat the exchanger to a very high degree. Near or above the furnace, in the “plenum”, dust will accumulate with time and occasionally fall onto the heat exchanger. If the debris pile becomes large enough, there can be a very serious risk a fire igniting inside the furnace.
• Furnace filter hazards. When was the last time you changed the filter to the furnace? Did you know it is recommended every 3 months? The filter’s purpose is so dust does not accumulate in your home. But if the filter is not changed regularly, it cannot do its job and even worse, it can potentially sink, and get sucked into the furnace itself, allowing the dust it carries to catch fire.
• Clean those ducts! The best way to reduce the likelihood of vent fires is to make sure they are clean. If you want to try and tackle the job yourself. Here is an easy tutorial.

But, if you want to hire a professional to make sure it is done right, call SERVPRO of Crawford / NE Venango Counties. Ventilation systems are often the biggest culprit for fires and poor indoor air quality. Make it a priority to inspect the ductwork of your home or business.

For more information on HVAC and air duct cleaning visit our Website or call (814) 350-7651.