Whether your battling mild or severe winter weather in your neck of the
woods this season, you'll no doubt want to rely on your home's heating
system to keep you warm and comfortable. When was the last time you
evaluated your home's heating system-or even performed a cursory check-to
ensure that it is in proper working condition? If you're like most people,
it's probably a good time to take a hacksaw to those cobwebs and give your
heater the once-over.
There are several ways to make sure your heating system is in good shape,
depending on the type of system in your home. U.S. Inspect recommends that
gas heaters be cleaned and serviced every other year. In addition, it's a
good idea to clean or replace the air filters about every two months during
the heating season. A service contract certainly isn't a bad idea either,
especially for older heaters. Service contracts are good for anticipating
potential problems and just for peace of mind.
Oil-fired hot water systems operate differently than gas heaters, and
thus require different maintenance. Oil-fired heating systems should be
cleaned every season, and the nozzles should be changed annually.
Periodically clean the boiler tubes, and be sure that the barometric draft
control is functioning properly. To maintain efficient heating in your home,
be sure to "bleed" the distribution system at the beginning of
each season. After the radiators are bled, the altitude pressure should be
between 10 and 15 pounds. The high limit should be between 180 and 190
degrees and the low limit should be between 20 and 25 degrees less than the
high limit.
You may be surprised at how little effort may be needed to ensure that
your heating system operates properly and at its optimal level. Besides, if
you had to run about 14 hours a day this season, wouldn't you appreciate a
little attention?
