With winter still not over, your heater is probably in daily use. Ideally, all heaters should be checked out before the start of winter, but if yours has not, do it now. Whether it’s old or new, it may have a potentially dangerous problem and be in need of heater repair.
If your heater is older than 20 years, it might be in your best interests to replace it. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect it to determine if heater repair is possible or not. Even if your heater is newer, it should be checked. A several-point inspection could save you a no-heat situation on an icy day.
If you have a whole-house heating system, it will have some type of venting (unless it’s a heat pump). Venting systems can be PVC piping, galvanized B-vents, or chimneys. Whatever type you have, they too need to be checked.
- Galvanized venting will need repair or replacement if it is corroded.
- PVC piping should be checked to ensure it’s clear and free from obstructions.
- If a chimney provides a venting system, it is very important to have it checked to ensure that the base is clear, the air drafts up freely, and there are no obstructions.
Another reason why a heater should be checked over before seasonal use is to ensure that it is not leaking carbon monoxide. This is without a doubt the most critical aspect of heater repair because carbon monoxide is a silent killer – it’s colorless and odorless and usually only detected after exposure results in injury or death.
