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Tips For Warmth And Safety

Posted: 12/3/2010

Danny Lipford

(NAPSI) - Now is a good time for homeowners to have trained, qualified professionals-such as HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) technicians or gas company representatives-perform comprehensive checkups of their home heating systems. According to a recent survey conducted by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), however, just one in four homeowners has a professional inspection every year, while one in five has never had a home heating inspection. The survey also found that those who skip such inspections cite concerns over costs and the belief that they can perform such checkups on their own.

Armed with these statistics, Danny Lipford, veteran home remodeler and host of the popular television show “Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford,” reminds homeowners with gas-operated home heating systems of to-dos designed to keep families safe and warm. Lipford and PERC also emphasize that while there are home maintenance tasks you can perform yourself, others should be left to professionals.

The following is a list of recommended to-dos for homeowners:

Give your home its annual checkup

An annual checkup by a home heating professional helps ensure that a homeowner’s heating system is operating efficiently and is properly maintained. “The investment in a yearly professional inspection is worth it and could save your family money in the long run,” says Lipford. According to the PERC survey, homeowners who rely on regular inspections find that efficient heating system performance, avoidance of major repairs, and peace of mind are significant benefits.

Important maintenance steps homeowners can take on their own include regularly changing or cleaning furnace filters and checking vents to be sure they are free from obstructions.

Leave it to the pros

Only a trained and qualified service technician has the proper training to install, service, maintain and repair gas appliances. “Don’t try to modify or repair valves, regulators or other cylinder or appliance parts. Leave this to the pros,” advises Lipford.

Have monitoring in place

Carbon monoxide, gas and smoke detectors are critical to home safety, yet one in three homes is without one or more of these important devices, according to the homeowner survey. “Installing monitors is one item on your list that you shouldn’t put off,” says Lipford. “If you already have them installed, use this time to ensure they are working properly.”

While household gas leaks are rare, knowing precautionary measures is important. “Should you or a family member smell gas from an unknown source [both natural gas and propane have a distinct rotten egg odor], leave the house immediately—then call emergency services and the gas company,” says Lipford.

Leave space when storing

When moving items indoors for storage, don’t put anything—boxes, paint, clothing, furniture and so on-near gas appliances. Read the instruction manual that comes with your gas appliance to find information on this important matter.

For more information on home heating system maintenance and monitoring, visit www.usepropane.com.

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