One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is maintain the heating system in the home. It doesn’t matter if the heat is powered by oil or gas, the system that delivers the heat throughout the home must be maintained in order for it to operate properly and efficiently. If you notice a spike in your utility bills in the winter months you might want to take a long look at the health of the heating system.
The first thing you should do to maintain the system is give it a thorough cleaning either right after its last use or before it fires up for the first time next heating season. Dust and dirt can accumulate in the system, which can lead to clogged areas and a broken down shell and tube heat exchanger. If you don’t know how to properly clean such a system you should have an experienced HVAC professional come perform the task for you.
The heating system should also be inspected each year when it is cleaned. Ask the HVAC professional to ensure that the board is operating properly, that the diode in the water tank is in good shape, and that the pilot light is lit. The diode is an important tool that should be replaced every three to four years. It sits in the hot water tank to prevent rust and other issues from building up on the inside of the tank. You can tell if the diode hasn’t been changed recently if it is completely covered in rust.
If you have baseboards installed throughout the home they should also be inspected each year. Make sure that the connectors are not leaking water and that the grates on the baseboards are not covered in dust or other debris. You can easily clean them by running a vacuum over them to remove the dust.
