Contractor: Furnace should be inspected every year [The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.]

Oct. 31--The winter season is approaching quickly, and to stay warm West Virginians will begin firing up their furnaces.

According to Bob Fulton, of Dominion Hope Gas, some people don't realize that there are steps to take to ensure furnaces are working safely and properly.

Dominion Hope recommends an annual furnace inspection by a qualified, reputable heating contractor.

Adam Bolden, owner of Affordable Heating and Cooling, said he recommends having a furnace inspected twice a year.

His company installs and inspects both gas and electric furnaces.

According to Bolden, there are a few things homeowners can do to help maintain their furnaces.

Bolden's tips include making sure the home is vented properly, and the vents are not covered by furniture. This will help protect from a carbon monoxide leak.

Also, customers should always have carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes as a safeguard.

Bolden also said people should ensure that the furnace filters are changed every year.

Heating contractors may provide a filter change, but it is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure the filter is replaced each year.

Fulton said filters should be changed, or at least checked, monthly during the winter season.

When Bolden's company provides a furnace inspection, there are several things they check for.

They make sure the heat exchanger is intact and not cracked. If the exchanger is not working well, carbon monoxide may be pushed into the home.

They ensure proper air-flow is established through correct venting.

Also, the inspector will determine if the furnace safeties are working properly.

Fulton said some other important elements an inspection should include are: Cleaning the main burners, clearing the furnace area of any dust or combustible materials, cleaning the blower compartment and testing the thermostat.

Homeowners should also have the flue inspected to insure it is clean and open. The flue is the part of the furnace that vents the carbon monoxide out of the house, generally from the roof.

Fulton said that these inspections and techniques make it possible for a furnace to be operating at maximum efficiency. He said when the furnace is not working efficiently, the homeowner is losing money.

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