Regular inspections of your furnace or boiler flue are essential for maintaining a safer and more efficient heating system in your home. Whether you’re using your heating system daily during the colder months or only occasionally, wear and tear, buildup, and unseen damage can compromise its performance and safety.
Regular checkups with an expert in the field can ensure any potential issues are caught early – creating more comfort and a safer space for your family. Need to schedule? Reach out to us today.
How Might My Furnace Flue Deteriorate?
Many of the homes in our service area have terra cotta or clay flue liners, which can deteriorate over time, leading to potential issues. This material is similar to that of a pot you’d use for a plant…and over time, if not properly maintained, it can start to flake and break off.
This not only leads to efficiency and safety issues, but the broken pieces can lodge in your flue and create blockages that prevent proper ventilation.
This is especially true if your home is heated with oil – or was at some point. Oil is very corrosive, meaning your risk of experiencing issues is likely to go up.
How Often Should I Schedule a Furnace or Boiler Inspection?
It’s generally recommended to schedule a furnace or boiler inspection once a year – right before the start of the cooler season. Here’s why:
- Inspections help avoid breakdowns. No one wants to be without heat when they need it the most – inspections help ensure inconvenient breakdowns don’t happen.
- Inspections ensure efficiency. If you’re paying for heat in your home, you want to be sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck, which inspections can help with.
- Inspections keep you safer. Inspections can detect dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks or malfunctioning safety controls.
- Inspections maintain your warranty. Many manufacturers require annual inspections to maintain warranties and ensure any repair costs are covered down the line.
- Inspections extend the life of your system. A well-maintained furnace or heating system lasts longer, delaying the need for costly replacements.
If you have yet to get this maintenance on the books, we’d be happy to help. Reach out now!
Do I Need Inspections if I Rarely Use My Furnace or Boiler?
Yes – even if you rarely use your furnace or boiler, it’s still important to schedule those annual inspections. Even with minimal use, parts can wear down or corrode over time, and an overview from our team will ensure any small problems – like rust, leaks, or faulty components – are caught early and promptly addressed…long before they can turn into expensive repairs or dangerous malfunctions.
In addition, furnaces and boilers that sit idle for long periods can develop safety issues such as gas leaks, clogged vents, or carbon monoxide buildup. A flue that’s rarely used is actually an ideal spot for a critter to set up camp, so getting a pro in to look things over will ensure there’s nothing amiss that could hinder your heater from working efficiently when you do need to use it.
Another common problem with rarely used furnaces? Dust and debris can accumulate and cause issues. Again, an inspection ensures everything is clean and functioning properly when things get fired up again.
Oh – and don’t forget about the warranty! Regular inspections may be required to keep the warranty valid, even if the system isn’t used frequently.
Reach Out Today
Furnace and boiler flue inspections are a proactive way to ensure the longevity, efficiency, and safety of your heating system – even if your equipment seems to be working fine or is rarely put to use.
Protect your investment and book your next inspection with our team today. We’re happy to help you out.