Heating

When the heating system of your home was selected, the rated capacity was checked to assure that the house could be heated to a comfortable temperature, taking into account climatic conditions common to your particular area.

On taking possession of your home, learn everything possible about the heating system and how it functions at maximum efficiency. The energy or fuel supplier would welcome a Call from you and will provide this information.

With automatic heating systems there may be occasional failure of the controls. This does not necessarily mean there is anything drastically wrong with the system, usually a simple adjustment is all that is required. However, unless you are aware of how such adjustrnents are made, it is best to rely on skilled help to rnake the adjustment.

Heating equipment can be maintained at maximum efficiency through regular inspections according to rnanufacturers' specifications.

If your furnace fails to start :

1. be sure the switch is on
   
   
2. check your fuse or circuit breaker panel for blown fuses or tripped breakers
   
   
3. review the operating procedures in your furnace manual

The furnace will not operate, of course, unless the thermostat setting is higher than room temperature.

Where a warm air system is installed, ensure that the fan motor and fan unit are oiled twice a year or per instructions, and that the return air filters are cleaned and/or replaced regularly. Dirty filters restrict the supply of return air essential to proper operation.

See that heating outiets and cold air returns (registers) are kept free of air flow obstructions such as carpets, furniture, etc. for maximum performance.

If a furnace humidifier is installed, it must be checked frequently in winter to ensure that the proper water level is maintained and the reservoir and plates are clean - power humidifiers require similar attention. Because of salt deposits from the water supply (a natural phenomena that varies across Canada) humidifier plates deteriorate, are consumable and require replacement when no longer effectively holding water. Should the relative humidity in your house be excessive in winter (causing objectionable condensation on windows, etc.) it may be advisable to shut off the humidifier.

Sometimes cracking or snapping noises may occur in heating systems; this sound means the pipes and other metal components of the distribution system are expanding or contracting with temperature changes. Such noises, particularly common on start up, do not influence the performance of the system and are to be expected.

Heating systems contained in a separate "furnace room" should be provided with sufficient air to operate effectively.