The importance of heating maintenance and carbon monoxide safety
Article published in Longmeadow Neighbors
(January 2022)
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
KRISTINA SMITH
General Manager
Berkshire Heating and Air Conditioning LLC
+1 413 200 9116
berkshireheatingandairconditioning.com
Whether you work from home or in person, support the Patriots or the Buccaneers (let’s be honest, we only root for them because of Tom Brady), or use a furnace or a boiler, one thing we all have in common is that we live in New England, and the weather up here can get crazy in the winter. Because of the climate we live in, most homes up here have some sort of internal heating system that we turn on after the leaves have fallen and before the snow starts piling up. Who doesn’t enjoy curling up by the fireplace or furnace when the air starts cooling down and frost is forming on our cars every morning?
While heating systems are great, it is also incredibly important to be aware of the benefits of maintaining them properly, and the dangerous and costly drawbacks of letting these machines run unchecked. Yearly maintenance on your heating system, whether that be a furnace, a boiler, or even just having your chimney cleaned will make your home safer, extend the life of your equipment, and can even save you money on energy and repairs.
Poorly maintained furnaces work less reliably, but they also consume more energy to run, raising your energy bill. When the mechanical components of your furnace or boiler are properly lubricated, it takes less energy for them to move and work, increasing their efficiency and decreasing their cost of running. Cleaning and changing your air filter will also help with efficiency, as it enables your heating system to easily circulate air, rather than forcing it through a clogged filter. Changing your filters regularly will also improve the quality of your air, as a clean filter will clean the air traveling through it substantially more effectively than a clogged or dirty filter.
Fixing tiny problems that may accrue throughout the year will help prevent larger issues from cropping up, prolonging the life of your heating system as well as saving you money on more expensive and difficult repairs. A properly maintained furnace will also drastically reduce the likelihood of the carbon monoxide emissions and fires that poorly kept furnaces run the risk of producing, making your home both safer, and more comfortable.
On the topic of carbon monoxide, it is important to be aware of the danger it causes so that we can all stay safe during these cold winter months. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is difficult to detect without the proper equipment. This gas can be produced by burning fuels in many household appliances and vehicles, such as grills, generators, lanterns, stoves, cars, and trucks. The CDC recommends these tips for keeping your home safe: Have any gas or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician yearly, including your furnace or boiler; do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors, use your generator outside your home, preferably at least 20 feet away from any door, window or vent; never run a car in the garage, even with the garage door open; have your chimney checked and cleaned yearly if you plan on using it at all. Carbon monoxide alarms are extremely important for detecting traces of the gas in your home.
Proper maintenance on your heating system and equipment is not only important to your health and safety, but also to your wallet. Berkshire Heating & Air Conditioning offers proper furnace maintenance and reliable heating repair services by qualified professionals.
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