Causes of HVAC fires . . .
When your HVAC system is not regularly maintained, it runs the risk of catching fire. Causes of HVAC fires can be a result of worn out filters, storing flammable materials too close to the system, faulty parts and equipment, among other things. All these will damage your system. The result will be poor air quality at the very least. At the very worst, it will cause a fire.
Here are some of the causes of HVAC fires:
- Storing flammable materials near the system. Allowing combustible materials such as paper, an accumulation of leaves and other debris, or gasoline too close to your HVAC system puts it at risk for catching fire. Keep the space around your unit free and clear. Keep any materials or debris more than 3 feet away.
- Failing to maintain your system and have it professionally cleaned. Failing to clean your HVAC system properly results in the accumulation of dirt and dust particles in the air vents, filters, coils and fins. This obstructs normal air flow and could result in your unit malfunctioning and in the end – cause a fire!
- Faulty parts or equipment. When you neglect your HVAC system, you fail to notice when there are faulty parts and equipment in it. For example, the fan has been slowly degrading and it finally stops functioning. Large amounts of heat may accumulate with the unit causing temperatures to rise excessively. This is likely to ignite combustibles near the heating pipes. Always have your system regularly serviced by a licensed HVAC technician so that any faulty parts can be replaced.
An expert knows how to clean the system thoroughly, check for parts that need repair, discover potential problems that could be catastrophic in the future, and repair any damages. Be sure to select a reputable HVAC technician, like those here at LHT Cooling, Heating & Refrigeration, Inc.