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(707) 539-4533 |  Sonoma Napa and Marin Counties

 

When the time comes to turn on the gas furnace again homeowners should take precautions to ensure it will efficiently run their heating system. Taking a close look at the furnace and boiler is the first step in preparing for winter weather. Clearing any debris such as dust, cobwebs, leaves and other debris from the flue pipes and around the furnace is one of the first things to do before turning a heater on after its long break.

Over time debris can gather and block the flue pipes and cause a fire or create a horrible smell upon being lit the first time. A lot of homeowners schedule a time for a licensed and certified technician to come out and do an annual inspection before using their heater. A technician will spend close to an hour or so checking the components that are likely to have issues.

During this inspection the air filter, the fan blade and belt, along with the thermostat and controls will be checked closely. The technician will look for cracked or lose belts along with rusted contact wires that lead to the controls. These issues can cause problems with a heating system working properly. A technician will also look closely at the thermocouples to make certain there are no signs of problems that could cause potential issues with the heating zones.

A thorough inspection of the thermostat and batteries is also a part of getting your heating system ready for use. Homeowners are often advised to find a happy medium with their thermostat setting. Every homeowner wants to lower their utility bills, but none want to freeze. Finding the happy medium setting will ensure the house is plenty warm without running up utility bills.

Some people find it easier to keep their home at one constant temperature year around. By leaving the thermostat setting at one temperature energy can be saved all year long. A certified HVAC technician will also recommend keeping an eye on the boiler.

Checking for leaks and keeping an eye on the psi gauge are important. The gauge should read around 12-15 psi. If it becomes lower or higher at any point the technician will need to return to check for underlying causes. To find a reputable HVAC company a homeowner should compare the reviews and prices charged among a few companies.

This ensures that they will have a reliable service to come do annual inspections and make repairs to a heating system should the need arise. Most licensed certified technicians will always have new replacement parts available to make repairs when needed. Keeping up with routine inspections and keeping an eye on your gas furnace will help reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements during the cold months of winter.