Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Arkla: Check Heating System

With colder temperatures just around the corner, Arkla is encouraging customers to check their home heating equipment now to ensure reliable, efficient and safe operation. If you need your gas turned on it's a good idea to do it now to avoid the rush when temperatures drop.

Margaret Preston, spokesperson for Arkla, says that by starting up and checking their furnaces now, homeowners can be sure their homes will be comfortable when the temperature drops.

"Don't wait until the first cold snap when demand for service is normally heaviest to find your furnace doesn't work or needs repair," said Preston. "A well- maintained heating system helps to assure safe, reliable and comfortable operation and more efficient use of the fuel."

Arkla recommends having your furnace checked periodically by a heating contractor or service technician. Make sure you follow the furnace manufacturer's guidelines for frequency and type of service required. Trained technicians should check for things that most homeowners shouldn't do themselves, including the condition of the heat exchanger, ignition, burner operations, blower systems, control sequence, draft intensity and condition of venting.

There are some things homeowners can do themselves to keep their furnaces operating safely and efficiently, including: never store flammable materials near the furnace area; check venting for signs of rust, corrosion, obstructions or holes and clean or repair, if needed; observe how the furnace runs and call a service technician if there are unusual noises, strange odors, a yellow pilot light or burner flame, rust or carbon deposits, excessive moisture and humidity in the home; check furnace filters every month and clean or change them whenever they are dirty; make sure all heat ducts are connected, using duct tape to close any leaky joints.

Homeowners with boiler systems should check water levels and pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. They should also check for steam or water leaks.

Homeowners with hot water systems should make sure radiators are filled with water. Radiators should be free of dust.

Yearly check-ups are a good investment for the safety of the family and property. They help eliminate potential fire hazards and ensure heating equipment is energy and cost efficient.