To keep your home heating system working the way it should this season, there are actions that you as the owner can take, but there are things that need to be left to a professional.
SAFETY TIPS
Do-it-yourself
- 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.
- 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.
- Make sure walls, other obstructions or new renovations do not block the heating system's air supply.
Call a professional
- 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 TSSA-registered heating contractor by visiting COSafety.ca.
SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME HEATING SYSTEM WORKING
