Annual home heating inspections are essential to your home and family’s safety in addition to heating efficiency.

It is wise for an experienced and licensed contractor to conduct your annual home heating inspection; however, being knowledgeable about the steps yourself can ensure that you get superior service.

Before the onslaught of the coldest weather is best; but, here in Houston it is really never too late – especially as opposed to not doing it at all.

Critical components for every home heating inspection include:

1. Checking carbon-monoxide detector presence and proper working condition as this gas can be deadly
2. Checking chimneys, flues and vents for inadequacies and blockages
3. Checking safety devices like temperature limit switches for presence and serviceability as well as pilot safety switches on any gas system
4. Checking the heat exchanger as poor heat exchange results in poor heat efficiency
5. Checking air-filters in forced-air heating systems
6. Clean motor and fan, also in forced-air heating systems
7. Inspection of ducting and piping to verify the conditions are free of holes in ductwork or leaks in piping as such can severely impact your home heating system efficiency
8. Fuel lines incoming also need inspection in addition to the ducting and piping that carries heat away; integrity of the inbound line is essential in gas systems
9. Thermostat functioning should be ensured as recording an accurate ambient temperature
10. Propane tanks should verified as the fuel source as well as gauged for the serviceability of the tank

This list is not comprehensive of what a professional licensed HVAC looks for or may come across, but it helps provide a basic overview to help you keep your family’s safety in mind.  More information is available on the Air Tech of houston webpage dedicated to preventive maintenance.