While you should schedule a yearly maintenance visit with a qualified HVAC technician to check for any safety concerns, you can also reduce potential safety hazards in the heating system of your North Wales home. Whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or boiler, you can substantially decrease the chances of dangerous situations with a few minor routine tasks.
If you have any questions about how to better maintain your heating system, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call to speak with one of our expert HVAC technicians. Here are a few guidelines to get you started.
Ventilation in Forced-air Systems:
- Regularly vacuum and clean out your heating vents and fan blower.
- Check the condition of your chimney and vent pipe to make sure that none of the parts are damaged or show signs of deterioration.
- Test the thermostat occasionally to make sure your heating system is working at optimal levels. There could be a safety concern if your heater is not properly heating your home.
Heat Exchangers:
- Heat exchangers should be inspected often to prevent carbon monoxide leaks. Check for any obvious issues, such as rust or other damages.
- The heat exchanger for furnaces should be inspected by a professional once a year in case there are hidden problems with the equipment, or if any of the components need to be replaced.
- Check the pilot light in gas furnaces for any flickers or changes in color. Have someone turn up the thermostat while you watch the light, but turn off the system for five minutes first. If there are any changes, there could be a problem with the heat exchanger. Call a professional if you suspect issues with your heat exchanger.
Heating Equipment Inspections and Adjustments:
- Boilers should be drained regularly to reduce sediment buildup, in addition to testing the water level safety controls. It’s best to have a North Wales professional perform these tasks if you aren’t sure how to do them on your own.
- Adjust the temperature settings if you suspect that the heater isn’t working properly, and if it doesn’t work call a professional heating technician, or if you aren’t sure how to locate or adjust the controls.
- Check the overall equipment for cracks, rust, or any other obvious signs of damage or deterioration that could create safety hazards.
In addition to performing these tasks, call a licensed heating contractor to inspect your heating system at least once a year.