Furnace Maintenance Can Save You From Burning Money
Posted October 27, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Unless you’ve literally got money to burn, you’ve got to tune up your main heating device now, before it wastes fuel and bucks, or worse breaks down on you altogether during winter’s worst bite.
Here are some suggestions for some do-it-yourself maintenance tips.
Remember the filter
Probably the easiest thing to replace and the one many homeowners forget about most often. They’re not expensive and you don’t need a lot of knowledge to wash one out or simply replace it. They control the air flow through the furnace and if they get clogged, you spread more dust into your house and reduce efficiency. And that costs you more money.
Check the exhaust
Your furnace vents to an outside area. Make sure it’s free from obstructions and that no wildlife have decided to make a temporary home inside it. And keep it clear of snow when the inevitable storm hits.
How’s the motor?
If it doesn’t go, your hot air won’t blow. Inspect the belts and pulleys for wear and if necessary, call a heating expert in to examine the device if it doesn’t seem to working.
Prepare your humidifer
If you’ve got one of those old drum type machines, replace the filter. Too much scale can keep it from working properly and dry out your house when it gets cold and the furnace runs non-stop.
Keep it clean
Clear the clutter from your furnace area. Even a small amount can be a fire hazard.
Buy a CO detector
A carbon monoxide alarm can be as important as a smoke detector. CO is colourless, odourless – and if you don’t get out in time, deadly.
Give It The Once Over
Examine the heating system occasionally for signs of deterioration, such as water stains, corrosion or leakage. Make sure walls, other obstructions or new renovations don’t block the heating system’s air supply.
Check Everything Else
If the heating system stops working, check the electrical fuse, the switch and the thermostat, and then call a qualified heating contractor. Don’t try to service it yourself.
Hiring A Heating Contractor
Never hire anyone who isn’t certified by the Technical Safety and Standards Association. They’re charged with deciding who’s qualified – and who isn’t. To check on a contractor, call (416) 734-3300 or 1-877-682-TSSA (8772).
Avoid “fly-by-nighters”, especially strangers who show up at your door offering “special” deals. Always ask the heating contractor to provide identification.
Ask friends or your fuel supplier for a recommendation.
Obtain at least three written estimates, outlining:
- the type of work to be done;
- who will be doing the work;
- start date and completion date.
- Determine whether repairs are covered by a warranty or maintenance plan.
- And get a final price
When buying a home or a heating system, make sure you receive the system’s maintenance and operating manual. Keep it in a safe place for future reference.
Courtesy: TSSA
For more help, contact United Energy Heating and Air Conditioning Inc at the following numbers:
West: 416-503-3159
East: 416-463-9708
Fax: 416-503-2158
Or email: info@unitedenergy.ca
And for more on the kinds of furnaces available, click here.
