Oct 14 2009
If you haven’t turned the home heater on yet, best to do so to ensure it is ready for the heating season
With overnight temperatures expected to dip into the 30s this week, PECO advises area homeowners to turn on their heaters and test the system to avoid any operating issues when it’s really needed.
PECO said the utility and HVAC contractors experience a spike in emergency calls during the fall season’s first colder weather. As customers turn their home heating systems on, many report indoor gas odors or appliance malfunction.
Homeowners also are encouraged to schedule a service call for their heater if the system hasn’t been inspected and cleaned by an HVAC contractor in the past two years. Regular service will ensure the heating system will operate safely and efficiently for the heating season ahead.
A properly functioning and well-maintained house heater and water heater is the best line of defense against the possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure at home. Homeowners want to ensure they have a clean heater flue or chimney clear of any obstructions, and a properly ventilated home. Typically, CO exposure is most dangerous in the wintertime when homes are tightly sealed and symptoms are oftentimes unrecognized or confused with the flu or other illness. More information about indoor home safety and carbon monoxide can be found at http://www.peco.com/safety.
PECO says October is the prime time to prepare for the impending heating season. Homeowners should get service for their home heater and add a fresh air filter for their heater to save operating costs. They also can take advantage of nice autumn days to weatherize around home: clean air vents around the house, install storm windows and door jams, check and freshen caulking around windows and doors, and install sealers behind electrical outlets.
Source: https://www.peco.com/Pages/default.aspx