How to Perform a Home Heating Inspection

Every year 15,000 Americans suffer from Carbon Monoxide exposure in their homes according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is an improper heating system, yet thousands of Americans don't do the necessary preventative maintenance. Luckily there is an easy solution-a home heating inspection.

In addition to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, a home heating inspection will keep your heating system running more efficiently. Whether you use gas or electricity to fuel your home, an improperly serviced heating system can be only 50% effective. By keeping your home heating system properly serviced, you will save money on your heating bills throughout the winter.While there are numerous heating systems available, the two most popular ones are forced air furnaces and hot water or boiler heating systems. While you will want to have your home heating inspection done by a qualified technician to reduce the risks of injuries, there are a few things you can do yourself.

As a homeowner, one of the easiest ways to keep your furnace running efficiently is to change the air filters on a regular basis. A dirty filter can cause strain on your furnace, raise heating bills, and decrease the life span of your unit. Make sure that the filter you are using is appropriate for the furnace in your home. A filter that is too small will not allow for an adequate return airflow.

Monitor your thermostat and keep its batteries fresh. It may even be prudent to invest in an automatic thermostat. A furnace that heats an empty house continuously, not only decreases its life span but also raises your energy bills as well.

Manually check all vent registers each month to make sure that there are no toys, furniture, or bedding that is obstructing their flow. Once you have performed your checks, it is time to call a qualified and licensed heating technician to perform the technical aspects of your home heating inspection.

When your technician arrives, a complete home heating inspection and tune up will be performed on your furnace, to ensure that it is running efficiently. The technician will begin your home heating inspection by doing the following.

1. A visual inspection of the venting system, and an examination of all seals, ducts and joints for leaks.

2. An inspection of the blower for obstructions and possible lubrication

3. An examination of the inside chamber of the furnace for rust and holes.

4. Thorough cleaning of all burners, sensors and pilots to enable these devices to operate efficiently.

5. Once the furnace is reassembled, the "high limit" on the heating system will be checked to prevent the possibility of over heating

6. A final safety test-a carbon monoxide test is performed.

A thorough home heating inspection will not only inspect any inside heating systems, but also any outside ones as well. The chimney and flue will then be examined for obstructions and soot build up. Excess soot is dangerous and can cause a myriad of problems including: chimney fires, flue deterioration and the re-funneling of dangerous gases back into your home. With so many procedures to follow in a home heating inspection, you can see why the CDC urges all homeowners to call a qualified service technician before they begin.

Your heating system is crucial to the comfort of your home in the winter. There is no easier way to stay warm, lower heating bills and protect your family from the dangerous effects of carbon monoxide poisoning- than by having a home heating inspection.