Aurora, CO · Furnace Safety
Gas Furnace Safety Checklist for Aurora Homes Before Winter
The homeowner checklist
| Item | What you are checking for |
|---|---|
| Heat exchanger | Cracks or corrosion — a combustion safety issue, not just a performance one |
| Flue and venting | Blockages, disconnected joints, nests, or debris that trap exhaust gases |
| Burners and flame | A steady blue flame; a yellow, lifting or lazy flame needs a technician |
| Carbon monoxide alarms | One on every level, tested, not expired (alarms have a service life — check the date) |
| Filter | Clean and correct size; a clogged filter overheats the system |
| Airflow | Open registers, unobstructed returns, no furniture blocking the furnace |
| Clearance | Nothing stored against the furnace or on top of it — including paint, cardboard and boxes |
| Condensate (high-efficiency) | Drain line clear and not frozen; a blocked condensate drain shuts the furnace down |
Why the heat exchanger is the item that matters most
A cracked heat exchanger can allow combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, into the air your family breathes. It is not visible from the outside of the cabinet and it does not always announce itself with symptoms. That is the primary reason annual service is worth doing even when the furnace appears to be working perfectly.
Carbon monoxide alarms: the part homeowners get wrong
- Location. Every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
- Age. CO alarms have a limited service life — check the manufacturing date and replace when the manufacturer says to.
- Test. Press the test button and confirm the alarm actually sounds.
- Batteries. Check them at the same time, ideally in fall.
Altitude matters in Aurora
At about 5,471 feet — Aurora's official elevation — combustion is not identical to sea level. Gas pressure and air-fuel settings need to be verified rather than assumed. A furnace that was set up for a different elevation can run with an unstable flame, soot the exchanger, or short-cycle. This is one of the checks included in our standard service.
What we check in the $150 service
- Filter evaluation and airflow verification
- Burner and flame sensor cleaning
- Ignition system test
- Heat exchanger inspection
- Blower, belt and motor check
- Flue and venting verification
- Gas pressure verification at Aurora altitude
- Thermostat run through a full heat cycle
- Written findings on anything aging out
Furnace service: $150
Cooler shutdown is also $150. Book both in one visit for $200 — you save $100.
Call (303) 525-7414 · Repair call $89 flat · 10% off for seniors, military, veterans & first responders
Call (303) 525-7414Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?
You cannot reliably tell from the outside. Symptoms that warrant a professional inspection include a yellow or flickering flame, soot, unusual odors, a CO alarm sounding, or a furnace that repeatedly shuts down.
Should I run the furnace before the first freeze?
Yes. Run it through a full cycle while it is still a convenience so you are not diagnosing it on the coldest morning of the month.
Is it safe to use a space heater while waiting for service?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions, keep it clear of anything flammable, and never use an unvented fuel-burning appliance indoors as a substitute for a furnace.
Do you check CO levels during a service visit?
Ask the technician to walk you through what was measured and what was found — you should leave the visit understanding your system's condition.
Related pages
General safety information for Aurora, Colorado homeowners and not a substitute for an inspection by a licensed technician or for your local code requirements. In any gas or carbon monoxide emergency, leave the home and call 911 or your gas utility.