In Canada especially in Ottawa, we depend on our home heating to keep us safe and warm when the thermometer plunges and the snow falls. It is important to check and maintain your furnace and/or fireplace.
An Annual Home Heating Inspection is a must
Home heating systems that burn fuel such as gas, oil, or wood need to be inspected and maintained annually. It is the only way to ensure efficient and safe operation of your HVAC system.
For gas furnaces, while you can and should change filters and check for leaks, the only person qualified to inspect your natural gas, propane or oil furnace is a certified technician who works for a TSSA-registered contractor.
Remember, furnace and fireplace inspections are your responsibility. If you do not arrange it, it will not get done. Do not forget to have your furnace, fireplace, or any fuel-burning appliance inspected annually. The inspection not only will ensure the safety of your family, but also allow a preventative measure for hefty repair costs in the future.
Getting Started on Home Heating Safety Inspection:
Ask a friend or your fuel supplier for recommendations to arrange for the home heating inspection. Also, be sure to ask your technician about specific work to be done. Determine whether repairs are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Do not trust and avoid ‘fly-by-nighters’, especially people who show up at your door offering special deals. Figure out if it would be to your advantage to have a protection plan on your fuel-burning system.
Your Home Heating System
To keep your home heating system working the way it should this season; there are actions that you as a homeowner can take, but there are things that need to be performed by a professional. For instance, a furnace technician will go through a furnace checklist when performing maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
DIY Home Heating Check-List
- Examine the heating system occasionally for signs of deterioration, such as water stains, corrosion, or leakage. In forced-air systems, clean the furnace air filters frequently – at least twice a heating season, or replace them at least once a year.
- Keep the area around the furnace free from dust, lint, rags, paint, drain cleaners, and other materials or chemicals that could catch fire or explode if they become too hot.
- Make sure warm-air outlets and cold-air outlets are not covered by carpets or blocked by debris.
- Before renovating, plan so you do not block the heating system’s air supply. As your HVAC contractor for detailed ductwork planning before moving ducts and returning air supply.
Call a Professional Home Heating Company
- If your heating system stops working, check the electrical fuse, the switch, and the thermostat, and then call for a heating technician.
- If snow or ice covers your outdoor regulator, contact your fuel supplier.
- Under no circumstances should unqualified people tamper with heating systems; if you have questions or concerns, contact a qualified heating contractor or call 613-727-Heat (4328).