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What to expect from a furnace inspection
(NC)-Some homeowners just don't seem to
get it! They expect their heating systems to keep chugging along, year after
year, with little or no maintenance. Then they complain when their
20-year-old furnace breaks down which usually happens in middle of winter!
A heating system that is not maintained is
a problem waiting to happen. At the very least, operating costs could
escalate due to inefficient use of fuel and the eventual need for repairs.
In the worst case, improperly maintained equipment may compromise safety by
causing dangerously high levels of CO, resulting in death or injury.
There is some maintenance that homeowners
can undertake themselves, such as the cleaning and replacing of filters. To
ensure safe and efficient operation of a heating system, however, homeowners
should have their furnace inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified
service technician.
Homeowners searching for a qualified
heating contractor in their area can access a user-friendly website -
www.hrac.ca or toll-free at 1-877-411-HRAC.
This site lists contractor members of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) a
national trade association.
Inspections performed by a licensed
technician will include the following:
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Safety test for carbon monoxide (CO)
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Check for hazardous debris in the
chimney and flue
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Clean air filters and re-install
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Check operation of thermostat and
safety controls
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Check gas pilot safety system and
clean as required
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Clean motor and fan
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Check blower operation
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Check condition, tension and alignment
of fan belt, and perform required adjustments
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Clean burners and set for proper
combustion & ignition
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Check gas piping to furnace
Investing in the proper maintenance of a
home heating system is essential to ensure that it provides reliable and
efficient indoor comfort when the outdoor temperature drops.
Where do you find comfort when the
furnace on the fritz?
(NC)-A qualified heating contractor should
be consulted when replacing your heating system. Not only do they understand
the importance of equipment selection, your investment requires proper
installation by a technician who will ensure the job is done properly,
safely and according to code. Consult with the Professionals Who Know! The
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) has
eliminated the job of researching who is qualified to do the job by
requiring its members to carry relevant trade, fuel safety and municipal
licenses as well as workers' compensation and liability insurance. For a
list of members in good standing log onto
www.hrac.ca or call toll-free at 1-877-411-HRAC (4722).
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