Is It Safe to Store Things Near a Furnace?

No Dumb Furnace Questions: A Guide to Heating Your Home

During cold winters like we have experienced this year in Kansas, we depend a lot on our furnace. We rely on our heating system to keep our homes warm and our family safe. But what do homeowners need to know to help their heater continue working. For example, you may not be sure what is safe to put near your furnace.

While the temperatures drop well below freezing, a home’s furnace can be running non-stop for days to keep your home safely warm. Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning knows that when it comes to home heating, there are no dumb questions. Our furnace technicians are always happy to answer any question our customers have.

Is It Safe to Store Things Close to a Furnace?

If you don’t have time to read on, then the answer is “no.” To ensure the best level of safety and care for your HVAC system and home, do not store anything too close to your furnace.

But there is a longer answer to this question and one that can help homeowners best ensure they have a safe and well-maintained home. This is especially true when space is limited and you’re finding a need to store items near or on top of your furnace.

Furnace Maintenance Basics

1. Change the air filter regularly
2. Do not ignore signs of problems or odd sounds coming from your furnace
3. Give your furnace necessary “breathing space” to allow for the proper amount of airflow

That last item addresses the main topic in this article about whether you can put items near a furnace.

Your furnace requires proper airflow to function correctly. Blocking the airflow around your furnace can lead to a range of issues, including reduced efficiency, increased wear and tear on the system, and even safety hazards such as overheating.

Note: This is also true of air conditioners. Read this article that goes into information on how close you can put plants around your outside AC unit.

With this in mind, our recommendation is to avoid storing anything on top of or near your furnace. Even seemingly harmless items like boxes, clothing, or other household items can obstruct the airflow. That can interfere with the operation of your electric or gas furnace.

Heating Your Home: A Matter of Safety

Storing items on top of or close to your furnace can create a fire hazard, especially if the items are flammable or if they come into contact with hot surfaces.

While we advise you to not put anything too close to your furnace, here are the items that are particularly hazardous to have near a heating unit:

• Flammable materials or liquids (e.g., gasoline, paint thinner, solvents)
• Paper or cardboard boxes
• Chemicals or cleaning products
• Plastic items that can melt
• Items that can easily catch fire or ignite
• Anything that can be damaged by heat or heat radiation from a furnace

DON’T STORE FLAMMABLE ITEMS IN FURNACE CLOSETS

Not all closets are created equal. The one that houses your furnace should never contain any flammable items, like cardboard boxes, clothing, aerosol cans, paint or gasoline.

In fact, it is probably best to keep everything from touching your HVAC unit and keep that closet or storage space clear of any unnecessary belongings. This gives your unit enough air and space to operate efficiently, and reduces dangerous fire hazards in your home.

Alternatives To Storing Items on Top of your Furnace

Instead of using your furnace as storage space, we encourage you to keep the area around your furnace clear and unobstructed. This will allow for proper airflow and ventilation, helping your furnace to operate efficiently and safely. If you need additional storage space in your home, consider alternative locations that won’t interfere with your HVAC system.

In addition to keeping the area around your furnace clear, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system. A professional inspection and tune-up can help ensure that your furnace is running at its best and can catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

For Help with Your Home’s Heating, Call Hanna!

Remember, when it comes to your furnace, proper maintenance and care are key to ensuring its longevity and efficiency. By keeping the area around your furnace clear and scheduling regular maintenance, you can enjoy reliable heating and peace of mind throughout the year.

If you have any questions about furnace maintenance or if you’d like to schedule a maintenance service for your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experienced technicians are here to help you keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system running smoothly.

You can contact Hanna anytime. Send us a message online or call 316-945-3481. We provide 24/7 emergency repair services and provide service to all surrounding Wichita communities including Newton and Andover.