(WTAQ-WLUK) — With winter weather right around the corner, you might be starting to turn on the heat or even getting your fireplace started. But do you know if your heating systems are functioning properly?
Shannon Beyersdorf, a service manager for Bay Area Services in Howard, says you want to turn your furnace on early to test for any issues before winter truly arrives. Routine maintenance on HVAC systems should be done annually.
Beyersdorf recommends turning on the heat before getting into the thick of winter in order for you to have enough time to get the system serviced. Otherwise, you may run the risk of prolonged wait times in the winter.
Fireplaces and wood burning stoves are much of the same. They need to be swept and cleaned annually by a professional, says Elliot Luker, lead technician with Professional Chimney Service LLC.
“If you are smelling smoke in your house, something is wrong. It is time to get it looked at. The glass is always getting dirty, getting caked on with that creosote, that’s a sign you might have a dirty chimney,” says Luker.
The Greenville Fire Department says they provide education to the community on how to safely heat their homes, where their community thankfully doesn’t see too many fires from heating systems. Fires that do start either in the chimney or HVAC is due to the systems not being serviced, says Deputy Fire Chief, Eric Kitowski.
Fire is not the only risk. Carbon monoxide is also a concern as it can build up in your chimney if it is not functioning properly.
“Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and they are not older than 10 years old. Have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. And take those alarms seriously because you can’t smell carbon monoxide,” says Kitowski.
By taking these steps now, you can keep you and your family safe and warm all season long.
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