Furnace Safety 101: Stay Warm and Worry-Free This Winter with Atlas Butler
- January 20, 2026
- Tips
Winter in Ohio brings freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and a lot of pressure on your furnace. A little prep now can prevent surprises or unexpected breakdowns. Here’s what every homeowner should know to stay safe and comfortable this season.
Quick Furnace Safety Checklist
Before winter hits, make sure to:
✅ Change your furnace filter. A clean filter maintains strong airflow, enhances air quality, and helps your system operate efficiently.
✅ Check for unusual smells or noises. Strange sounds or burning odors can signal mechanical issues or electrical problems. Don’t ignore them.
✅ Keep vents and registers clear. Make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains aren’t blocking airflow. This helps maintain even heating and reduces strain on your system.
✅ Test carbon monoxide detectors. Every floor of your home should have a working CO detector—especially near sleeping areas. Replace batteries and test them monthly.
✅ Clear the area around your furnace. Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around your furnace.
✅ Make sure the exhaust vent is clear. Snow, leaves, or debris can block the furnace flue or intake pipe outside, potentially causing a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide indoors.
✅ Schedule your annual furnace inspection. A professional tune-up can identify safety issues early, extend the life of your system, and maintain the validity of your warranty.
Know the Warning Signs. Call the Pros If You Notice:
- A burning smell while the furnace is running. A faint smell of dust is normal when you first turn on the heat for the season, but if it smells like burning plastic or metal, it could signal an electrical issue or overheating components.
- Loud banging, grinding, or squealing noises. Your furnace should never sound like a garage band. Unusual noises often indicate loose or damaged parts, and ignoring them can lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
- A yellow pilot light (instead of blue). The pilot light should burn a steady blue flame. A yellow or flickering flame may indicate poor combustion or a risk of carbon monoxide. Don’t wait to have it checked.
- Inconsistent heating or cold spots in your home. If some rooms feel like a sauna and others like a freezer, your furnace may be struggling to distribute air evenly. This could be a sign of duct issues, a failing blower motor, or a system that needs maintenance.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless gas that’s dangerous. Install CO detectors and get your furnace inspected yearly to stay safe.
Learn more about furnace safety
If the Furnace Goes Out:
- Inspect your furnace filter, as a clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to shut off; replacing it with a clean one may restore proper function.
- Check your thermostat to ensure it’s set to “Heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature; if it uses batteries, try replacing them.
- Inspect your breaker panel to see if a tripped circuit breaker is the issue, and reset it if necessary.
- Call Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE if the system still isn’t working—our team is available 24/7 with no extra charge for nights, weekends, or holidays.
- Use safe backup heat sources, such as UL-approved space heaters with automatic shut-off features, and keep them at least three feet away from any flammable materials.
- Never use your oven or stovetop for heat, as this can create serious safety risks to you and your family.
- Close the doors to unused rooms and gather in one space to retain heat. Use blankets, rugs, and layered clothing to stay warm while you wait for service.
The best way to avoid emergencies? Regular inspections. With the Atlas Butler Comfort Club, you get:
- Annual tune-ups
- Priority scheduling
- No service call fees
- Discounts on repairs
- Plumbing protection included