Heating Systems Need Maintenance Before Winter

An investment in maintenance can protect heating systems all winter.

For equipment at your business, preventive maintenance is important, especially for hot water or steam heating boilers. Heating boilers can cause extensive damage due to explosion and can be more costly to replace than gas or electric furnaces.

Neglected maintenance can be costly for owners who may overlook this important and expensive equipment. A modest investment in a sound maintenance program for gas furnaces, hot water boilers, steam boilers and high-efficiency boilers can return dividends all winter long for owners or operators.

For many business owners or homeowners, this can mean fewer emergency repair bills, more efficient operation (lower fuel costs) and longer equipment life.

Preseason Checklist

For hot water or steam boilers:

• Clean the internal (water) side of the boiler
• Inspect and clean burners
• Ensure that low water fuel cutouts are functioning properly
• Inspect and test all controls and safety devices
• Clean or replace all air inlet filters as needed
• Make sure the automatic dampers for outside air are working properly so the boiler room does not freeze due to broken windows or damper control issues

For gas furnaces:

• Inspect and clean burners
• Inspect and test all controls and safety devices
• Check the combustion blower housing for lint or debris and clean as needed
• Clean or replace all air inlet filters as needed
• Ensure the inlet/return air and exhaust flues cannot be blocked by snow or pest infestation, such as a bird’s nest

During the Heating Season

Test the low water cutout control on any steam heating boiler at least once each week, and test other safety devices regularly.

Owners or operators who are unfamiliar with controls and safety devices can hire a reliable service organization to check and service the equipment prior to and during the heating season. Most heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors will inspect and check over 20 different items on a gas furnace during their inspection.

A planned preventive maintenance program will help protect your equipment and provide smooth operation all heating season long.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.