Healthy Heating Systems

Winter is just around the corner and it is time to make sure your home is warm, comfortable and snug. Your heating system might chug along year after year, but that doesn’t mean it is operating efficiently – or safely.

Every furnace should be cleaned and inspected annually, but it is especially important for older heating systems. Not only do older furnaces cost more to operate than the modern high-efficiency models, they might also pose a safety hazard. Heat exchanger walls may be deteriorating with age and vent pipes could be sagging and rusting. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider investing in a furnace maintenance plan which covers parts and labour on repairs.

While homeowners can take on some of the work themselves, like replacing filters seasonally and cleaning filters monthly, a proper furnace cleaning and tune up should be done by a licensed professional, according to HRAI (the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada). A qualified service technician can quickly and conveniently inspect and clean a heating system, ensuring it is safe and ready for the coming winter months.

HRAI recommends annual inspections should include the following:

• A safety test for carbon monoxide (CO);
• Checking for hazardous debris in the chimney and flue;
• Cleaning of air filters and re-installing;
• Checking operation of thermostat and safety controls;
• Checking gas pilot safety system and cleaning as required;
• Cleaning the motor and fan;
• Checking the blower operation;
• Checking condition, tension and alignment of fan belt, and performing required adjustments (on older systems);
• Cleaning burners and setting for proper combustion and ignition;
• Checking the gas piping to furnace.

Your heating professional can advise if your furnace is due for replacement. Upgrading your heating system can save you as much as 25 per cent on your annual heating/cooling bill. As an added bonus, your new furnace might also qualify for grants or rebates; visit http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/incentives-program-for-home/ for a list of incentives available for homeowners.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club