HVAC Fire Hazards and Safety

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that HVAC units, if not maintained properly, can pose certain fire hazards?

Your home or business’ HVAC unit is meant to keep your building cool in the summer, but did you know that HVAC units, if not maintained properly, can pose certain fire hazards? HVAC fires can be devastating. In this blog, we’ll share three common causes of HVAC fires so that you can be prepared to protect your home or business from a fire emergency resulting from your HVAC unit.

Overheated Motor

One of the most common causes of HVAC units catching fire is the unit’s motor overworking, which increases heat and therefore can pose a risk for a fire to ignite. Your HVAC unit’s motor might overheat for a few different reasons. Firstly, if there is any dirt or debris in the area surrounding your HVAC unit’s motor, the dirt can behave as an insulator, which causes the motor to overheat. In order to avoid this situation, make sure that your HVAC unit is cleaned regularly. Secondly, your unit’s motor may overheat as a result of too much or too little voltage powering the motor.

Electrical Issues

It is possible for your HVAC unit to catch fire as a result of wiring or electrical issues. Over time, electrical connections naturally loosen. Frayed or corroding wires that are not repaired in a timely manner can facilitate electrical shorts, which can then result in a fire igniting. To avoid this, be sure to inspect your HVAC unit and its wiring regularly, replacing wires when necessary to avoid electrical complications.

Leaking Fuel Line

Lastly, it is possible for fuel lines to leak, leading to gas leaks. When gas comes into contact with heat, a fire is likely to ignite. It is crucial that, if you smell gas in your home or business surrounding your HVAC unit, you treat the situation as an emergency.

We Are HVAC Professionals

Ultimately, it is recommended that HVAC units are inspected on a biannual basis by an HVAC professional in order to most effectively maintain your HVAC unit and prevent fires. Luckily, you don’t have to look any further than SERVPRO for HVAC maintenance services. The professionals at SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall routinely inspect HVAC units and provide air duct cleaning services. To learn more about our offerings, visit our HVAC Cleaning Services, Fire Damage Restoration, and Cleaning Services Overview webpages or call your local SERVPRO Team Wall office, SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County, at (410) 229-0012.