In Canada we rely on our home heating systems for much of the year. We expect our furnaces to be dependable, efficient and above all safe. It takes work on your part, however, to keep you furnace safe. Here are some guidelines and tips to consider to help keep your home warm and safe.
Your furnace deserves an annual check-up with a heating contractor. Inspection and preventive maintenance is your best insurance against future problems. Maintenance not only helps prevent fires, but also carbon monoxide poisoning—insufficient combustion produces higher levels of this dangerous gas.
If your furnace is heated by oil, it demands special attention to assure worry-free performance. "Oil heating system should be inspected annually and maintained in good working order," says The Co-operators. The oil user has an obligation to ensure a potentially dangerous substance is used safely. The Environment Act makes anyone who keeps or owns a toxic substance responsible if pollution occurs.
Here is a partial list of what must be inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced during any 12-month period:
- Oil storage tanks and lines for rust, deterioration and leaks
- Sight gauge and vent whistle operation
- Fuel filter replacement
- Fuel pump pressure to meet manufacturers' specifications
- Fuel pump auto cut-off operation
- Clean and adjust the electrodes
- Inspect nozzle for flow rate, spray angle and pattern
- Inspect combustion chamber
- Inspect and clean the heat exchanger, vent passages and vent pipes
There are several warning signs which may indicate a potential problem with your oil heating system. If you notice any of the following, contact a certified service person immediately:
- The furnace keeps going out and/or is difficult to restart from the manufacturers' instructions
- The furnace makes unusual noises or creates odors
- There are water stains on the furnace or floor under the furnace
- The floor or ground around the tank and around the lines indicates a leak
- Rust spots are developing on the bottom of your tank
The Co-operators suggest, "when buying a home or a new heating system, make sure you receive maintenance and operating manuals for the furnace. Read the manuals and keep them in a safe place for reference." The best prevention is a regular check up by a qualified professional. Talk to your heating contractor and arrange an automatic annual maintenance program.
To avoid fires, keep the furnace clear or all flammable substances. This includes paint, varnish, bleach, furniture stripper, other chemical solvents, fuel and even lint from the dryer. Overheating alone can cause explosions. Store your combustibles in sealed containers in well ventilated areas and out of reach of children. Another fire hazard around furnaces are soiled rags. Rags that have absorbed oil, paint, glue and other chemicals can sometimes even burst into flames spontaneously. Store rags in a closed metal container outdoors, or better yet, dispose of them entirely.
If you use your basement as a workshop, turn off the pilot light inside the furnace and water heater if you plan to work with combustibles, including spray cans. You can have a fire or explosion if a flame even comes into contact with certain fumes, let alone with the substance itself.
