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Is Your Heating System Safe for Winter?

Furnace & Boiler Maintenance, Repair, & Installation

Heating System Services

With colder weather fast approaching, Coloradans should be thinking about their annual furnace or boiler maintenance. A professional HVAC inspection and maintenance service will ensure that your furnace or boiler is ready for the winter months. Most importantly, this essential HVAC service will answer a key question – is your heating system safe for winter?

Old or poorly maintained heating systems can cause catastrophic risks, such as fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. In fact, heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in U.S. homes, according to the National Fire Protection Association, with 46% of home heating fires occurring in the months of December, January, and February (2016-2020).

Carbon monoxide deaths are also on the rise. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 250 carbon monoxide related deaths in 2019, 69 of which were caused by heating systems. This was the greatest number of deaths recorded since 2009.

Before you turn on the heat, it’s vital that your furnace or heating system be professionally inspected. At Viking Mechanical Services, we provide affordable furnace and boiler maintenance, repairs, and installation services designed with your needs, and safety, in mind.

After having your heating system serviced by a professional HVAC technician, there are certain steps home and business owners take to keep their furnace or boiler safe during the heating season. Follow these tips to protect your property, and most importantly, anyone that occupies it.

Tips to Keep Your Heating System Safe in Northern Colorado

Being proactive during the heating months can make all the difference when it comes to safely heating your home in Northern Colorado. Following these steps will help to ensure a safe and warm winter.

Annual Furnace/Boiler Inspection, Maintenance, and/or Repairs

As previously mentioned, hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect and service your furnace or boiler is needed before turning on your heating system each year. Annual inspections and proper maintenance will help to identify any potential hazards, such as gas leaks, exposed wires, or faulty safety valves, and can help detect other problems that need to be addressed. Repairing a heating system in a timely manner can help save you money down the road. Not to mention, the small investment of having your heating system serviced is invaluable when it comes to your safety.

Check Air Filters

Air filters are an important component of the HVAC system. They help clean the air passing through the air ducts and prevent build-up of dirt and dust in the system. Check air filters regularly and replace them, when needed. Doing so can help improve indoor air quality and extend the life of your furnace.

Install Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors save lives and should be installed in every home or business. Hardwiring these life-saving devices on a network so that one alarm sets off all alarms is ideal. Battery operated carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are just as effective, provided they are regularly tested and batteries are replaced as needed.

For homeowners installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, it’s imperative to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation and function. Detectors should be installed in and outside of all bedrooms and on every level of the home. Installation of a carbon monoxide detector near the heating system is also a good idea.

If you need assistance with carbon monoxide and smoke detector installation in Westminster, Broomfield, Longmont, or the surrounding areas, Viking Mechanical Services can help.

Know the Warning Signs of a Faulty Furnace/Boiler

Furnaces and boilers do have their ways of alerting homeowners to potential problems. Recognizing the signs of a faulty heating system is essential for taking action to correct any issues that can potentially be dangerous. Here’s what you should look for:

Faulty Boiler Warning Signs

  • Leaking Pipes
  • Banging Noises
  • Problematic Pilot Light
  • Boiler Switches Off
  • Whistling Noises

Faulty Furnace Warning Signs

  • Bad Odors
  • Corrosion or Rust
  • Exposed Wires
  • Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
  • Loud Noises
  • Water Leaks
  • Blows Cold Air

If you notice anything with your furnace or boiler that seems “off”, calling a professional HVAC company to schedule service is your best line of action.

Stay Diligent

At Viking Mechanical Services, our best advice for current and future customers is to stay diligent. If you have an old or poorly maintained heating system, it’s essential that you request the proper heating services to ensure safety.

Whether annual maintenance, repairs, or replacement services, our heating technicians at Viking Mechanical Services have options. We service virtually any brand of furnace or boiler, offer affordable financing options, and some of the best warranties in the industry. We proudly extend our comprehensive heating services to residential and commercial clients all across the Northern Colorado Front Range.

Is your heating system safe for winter? Don’t take the risk of guessing, call or text a Viking for your furnace or boiler inspection and maintenance service today.