News and Events
Check heating systems, safety experts way
October 22nd, 2009
Autumn's grip will soon be upon us and homeowners should think about preparing their home furnace heating systems for safe operation to avoid fires and carbon monoxide build up.
The CSA International (Canadian Standard Association Group) offers the following tips to help you prepare your furnace for the heating season:
- Keep warm air registers, return air openings, and space heaters or baseboards clear of furniture, rugs and drapes to allow free air movement.
- Do not store combustible materials such as paper, chemicals, paint, rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace.
- Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of your gas furnace.
- Ensure that there is a free flow of air to the furnace. Keep the area immediately around your furnace clear by removing any obstructions.
- Clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the heating season.
- Have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system.
Any homes that contain combustion appliances such as a gas furnace should have a CSA-certified carbon monoxide alarm installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.