Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Time To Check Heating

With colder temperatures just around the corner, Arkla encourages customers to check their home heating equipment now to ensure reliable, efficient, safe operation.

Bill Harp, local manager for Arkla in Clark County, said 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 the heaviest, to find your furnace doesn't work or needs repair," Harp said. "A well maintained heating system helps to assure safe, reliable and comfortable operation and more efficient use of the fuel."

Arkla recommends furnaces be checked periodically by a heating contractor or service technician. Make sure to follow the furnace manufacturer's guidelines for frequency and type of service required.

Trained technicians should check for things that most homeowners should not try to do themselves, including the condition of the heat exchanger, ignition, burner operations, blower systems, control sequence, draft intensity and condition of venting.

Homeowners are encouraged to do a number of things themselves to keep their furnaces operating safely and efficintly, including:

1. Never store flammable materials near the furnace area.

2. Check venting for signs of rust, corrosion, obstructions or holes and clean or repair if needed.

3. Observe how the furnace runs and call a service technician if there are unusual noises, strange odors, a yellow pilot light or burner flames, rust or carbon deposits, excessive moisture and humidity in the home.

4. Check furnace filters every month and clean or change them whenever they are dirty.

5. Make sure all heat ducts are connected. Use duct tape to close and leaky joints.

6. 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 that radiators are filled with water. Radiators should be kept free of dust.

Arkla encourages homeowners to have their furnace checked annually. Check-ups are a good investment for the safety of the family and property. They help to eliminate potential fire hazards and ensure heating equipment is operating both energy efficiently and cost efficiently.

Call Arkla at 800-259-5544 for more information on having your furnance serviced before the heating season begins.