Omaha, NE: As the temperature falls outdoors furnaces heat-up across the city. You may not realize there could be hidden hazards waiting to cause trouble. Action 3 News caught up with an inspector to learn tips that will keep you and your family safer this winter.

Inspectors are busy helping families take action to keep their furnaces free from danger. Danger homeowners like Todd Schmitz can't see.  Schmitz invited us and A1 United Heating and Air Conditioning into his home to inspect his 20-year-old furnace.  Schmitz says, "It hadn't been done in a while and I know it needs to be done."

When it comes to inspecting furnaces Rick Kocour checks and double checks every nook and cranny. Kocour says looks can be deceiving.  He adds, "If you get a furnace that looks okay on the outside it don't necessarily mean it's good on the inside."

One red flag is rust. Kocour says rust spots can mean your furnace is not venting properly. It takes the inspector only minutes to verify if the furnace is venting correctly or not. 

A potential danger could also be lint and dust collecting inside the unit. Often furnaces and water heaters are in a homes laundry room, a place that is known for dust bunnies. Sweeping and vacuuming lint up reduces the fire hazard.

In addition to having your heater serviced both professionals and fire fighters recommend having a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector.  Having a carbon monoxide detector helps to catch a problem that you may easily overlook.

Kocour examines the pipes leading into the furnace. He says, "These flu pipes start getting pin holes in them or they rust out and you're gonna be leaking carbon monoxide." 

It is a gas that causes several problems for Omaha Fire Fighters.  Capt. Jim Gentile says, "A lot of times during this part of the season we have a lot of carbon monoxide calls when the furnaces start up so you want to make sure to have a working carbon monoxide alarm."

Plugging one into a room wall can also keep your family safe this winter season. The cost of a furnace inspection can range between $50 and $100. If you are a homeowner in Omaha, the fire department will give you free carbon monoxide detector. For more information you can call 444-3560.