Whether its summer cooling season or time for winter heating, HVAC safety should be a year-round priority. Your central air conditioner and furnace are designed and engineered to be safe during normal daily operation. However, numerous potentially dangerous issues may arise if an unqualified person attempts to troubleshoot or repair these systems.
Here are some specific reasons why HVAC safety is such an important consideration with heating and cooling systems:
Furnaces
A gas-fired furnace, the most common heating option in residential use, presents several potential HVAC safety issues. For good reason, there are no recommended do-it-yourself procedures, repairs, or adjustments for these units. Combustion of natural gas generates a burner flame with a temperature above 1,900 degrees. The combustion process also produces byproducts such as toxic carbon monoxide gas, which can be fatal if inhaled. Proper furnace ventilation that meets written code standards is critical for the safety of a home’s occupants. All work on a gas furnace must be performed by a certified HVAC technician.
Air Conditioning
A central air conditioner circulates refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. This chemical requires protective equipment and adequate ventilation. It’s also pressurized at certain stages of the cooling process. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere violates EPA requirements and can be a danger to people in the house. The outdoor half of a central AC system utilizes 220-volt electricity, which is much higher than the electricity used by indoor components. This electricity is provided by a dedicated circuit with its own circuit breaker and on/off switch.
To ensure safe, effective, and efficient cooling and heating in the home:
- Industry safety guidelines require that virtually all HVAC work should be performed by a professional technician with the proper certifications to do the job safely and correctly.
- Schedule annual professional preventative maintenance with a licensed HVAC contractor for both cooling and heating components. This checkup not only ensures safe operation of your HVAC system, it also supports maximum energy efficiency, long service life, and optimum performance.
For professional maintenance and service to ensure HVAC safety and performance, contact Paitson Bros., Terre Haute’s source for heating and cooling excellence since 1922.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922