Useful Information - Self Maintenance Tips
Do it yourself
There are a number of things you can do yourself as part of your home maintenance program, but do not attempt to repair gas appliances yourself. Leave that work for a licensed gas contractor.
One obvious step is to seal up your home to prevent expensive and drafty air leaks. Use caulking around windows and other openings to stop the cold air invasion. If you have a window air conditioner, make sure it is well sealed around the edges, and cover the unit to protect it and keep the cold air out. Be aware that if you make your house airtight, you will need to install a combustion air duct into the room containing your major gas heating appliances. This air duct supplies fresh outside air for burner operation and helps vent the products of combustion.
Once you've sealed the leaks, you can make your own visual checks of chimneys, venting systems and filters periodically during the heating season:
- check furnace filters monthly, and clean or replace them when necessary;
- remove any additional filters at floor registers and cold air return grills, as they restrict the air flow your furnace needs to operate properly;
- ensure proper heat distribution by keeping registers, grills and heat radiators free of obstructions such as furniture or carpets; and
- if your furnace has a fan belt, check it monthly and replace it when it shows signs of wear. After you've made your checks, make sure all panels and doors on your gas appliances are closed properly.
Here are some other tips that will help keep you and your family safe:
- keep items away from ventilation openings on gas appliances and never store flammable liquids or materials near them;
- do not use gas appliances such as a range or oven to heat your home;
- have wood-burning fireplaces or appliances checked regularly and follow directions for their safe use;
- open a window before lighting your fireplace or wood stove and keep it open until the fire is completely out;
- understand the dangers and symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO), the silent killer, and consider installing a CO detector in your home; and
- avoid carbon monoxide build-up by never running your vehicle or snow blower in the garage or other enclosed area for extended periods of time.