Sometimes a new furnace or ductwork just isn’t in the budget in time for heating season. Many people then rely on supplemental heating from space heaters. These tiny, but mighty gadgets can be a convenient source of heat when you’re in a pinch. Unfortunately they can also increase the risk of electric shock or fire hazard if used incorrectly. So the team at Getzschman Heating & Air Conditioning put together these safety tips to keep in mind this winter when using your space heater.

Do’s for Using a Space Heater Correctly

DO read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before using a space heater.
DO make sure your space heater has the label verifying that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
DO make sure your space heater is placed in the proper place. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
DO inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
DO unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

Don’t Do This With Your Space Heater

DON’T use space heaters to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. They’re only meant for supplemental heating.
DON’T leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
DON’T ever place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Always place on level, flat surfaces.
DON’T plug space heaters into a power strip or extension cord, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater, instead plug them into a different wall outlet.

If you find yourself needing a space heater this year, call the G-Force experts at (402) 235-6727. We can either help you fix the problem with your furnace , or help you find an affordable furnace solution for a more comfortable Omaha winter this year.

Furnace season in Omaha is finally here. When you flip on your heater for the first time in nearly a year, you might experience some odors and noises. Not all are something to be necessarily concerned about though. Getzschman Heating & Cooling covers some of the furnace basics, and which noises and odors you should look out for and give concern to.

Furnace Noises

Screech – This could be a problem with your motor or fan belt.
Chirp – Chirping sounds are fairly common. It’s usually the natural noise of the mechanisms.
Rattle – Rattling noises usually happen when the system is cooling down and it’s not generally cause for alarm.
Boom – These sounds are usually your ductwork expanding and contracting with the changes in temperatures throughout the seasons. But if this happens and your furnace smells like it’s burning, you might have a dirty burner in your furnace or a defective gas valve.
Ping – This sound can also be caused by contracting and expanding ducts.
Hum – This is usually a sound that happens when the furnace burner lights.
Whine – Whining or odd vibrating noise may indicate a problem with your system. Call in an expert.
Crackle – Crackling noises may be the metal parts cooling down after the furnace shuts off.
Clunk – Clunking or bumping sounds often means you have a cracked belt.

Related Read: 3 Heating Myths Busted

Furnace Odors

Musty - This may be mold and/or mildew buildup in your duct system. One way to get rid of this is to change your air filter and clean the drip pan in your heating and cooling system. Clean using bleach or white vinegar to make sure the area is no longer hospitable to mold growth.
Electrical burning - This could be an object in the duct work that starts to smell when it gets overheated. A spill on a register or in the duct work can also cause this type of smell. Go check out your registers for anything unusual and remove them to look for a spill in the duct work. It could also be the furnace motor overheating or a cracked heat exchanger. If you cannot locate a foreign object in the ductwork, call a technician to check it out for you.

If you experience any odd smells or noises that are of concern, call the furnace experts at Getzschman Heating & Cooling today at (402) 235-6727.