What to expect from a furnace inspection

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​(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... largely because things things don't tend to break down when you're not using them!

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 injury or even death. 

There is some maintenance that homeowners can undertake themselves, such as the cleaning or replacement of the air filter. 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 call toll-free 1-800-267-2231 or access a user-friendly website hrai.ca  This site lists contractor members of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) a national trade association. 

Inspections performed by a licensed technician will include the following: 

• Safety test for carbon monoxide (CO) 
• Check for hazardous debris in the chimney and flue 
• Clean air filters and re-install 
• Check operation of thermostat and safety controls 
• Check gas pilot safety system and clean as required 
• Clean motor and fan 
• Check blower operation 
• Check condition, tension and alignment of fan belt, and perform required adjustments 
• Clean burners and set for proper combustion & ignition 
• 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 (HRAI) 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 visit www.hrai.ca or call toll-free 1-800-267-2231