No doubt every heating system should have a check up before the start of each winter.
You should keep in mind that if your system is older than 20 years, then you should replace the system. A newer heater should also be checked.
Most heating systems will have some type of venting. They can be chimneys, galvanized steel B-vent, and PVC piping for high efficiency units. So you should have the venting and chimney checked.
All PVC piping should be looked at. You should check where it terminates to see if it is free from obstructions and clear. All galvanized venting should be replaced if corroded. If the vent uses a masonry chimney it is very important to make sure the base is clear, that there are no obstructions, the air freely drafts up and that it is good condition.
Make sure you have enough combustion air for your heating system. If your heater may not work properly and you could have a condition where carbon monoxide could be present in your home. You may have to have air introduced into your utility area for the heater to be safe and work properly, but it is money well spent.
If you prefer to do it yourself, then here is a home maintenance list for you:
1. Furnace. Remove filter media and vacuum clean entire air chamber then install new air filter. If system is used for cooling also clean "A" coil if reachable in plenum. Then check fan belts, pilot light, humidifier and media pad if needed. On older furnaces the pilot light may stay on all the time and you can see it, newer models are usually self igniting and light only when furnace is running. You should keep the area clear around the furnace before startup. Test operation.
2. Oil Heat. Change fuel filters and service burners if needed. Check fuel tank for water content and fill tank.
3. Forced Air Systems. You should clean registers and returns, remove grill on returns, vacuum clean out and reinstall the grill. On older forced air systems the entire duct work should be cleaned every couple of years. check flue pipe for blockages, leaks, holes and make sure vent cap is in place on roof.
4. Central Air Conditioners. Clean the outside unit and cover as owners manual suggests.
5. Window Air Conditioners. Remove from window or close vents and cover from the outside with an air conditioner cover.
6. Room Thermostat. You should change batteries and change if needed, clean the contacts or sensor if visible, setup energy savings features and to winter settings, reprogram time and date.
7. Hot Water Heating Systems. inspect and lubricate circulating pumps, clean baseboard units and check system.
8. Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors - Clean the cover of dust, change battery and check.
9. Hot Water Heaters. Drain about 10 - 15 gallons of water from service valve, situated at bottom of water tank, to remove sediment. If water has slight rust color at first this is normal, if after draining more than 10 gallons the water is still has a rust color, it is a good sign that the tank is rusting and consider replacement. On natural gas heaters check flue pipe that it is secure and has no leaks.
10. Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers (for free standing units change/clean filters). For furnace mounted humidifiers check, clean or replace the water media pad, or water level on float type humidifiers. test water line/waste line for leaks then test the system.
11. Dryer Vents. You should open outside vent damper and cleanout lint, use a vacuum cleaner and if possible push the flexible vacuum hose into the vent pipe to clean as far into pipe as possible. Turn on dryer on low heat and run for a while to blow out any loose lint. test that damper closes freely, then check again.
12. Fire Extinguishers. Check inspection tag dates and make sure they are fully charged or purchase new extinguishers.
13. Water Filters. test the dates of water filters on water dispensers or refrigerator and replace if expired.
14. Kitchen and Bathroom Exhaust Fans, Attic Fans - Clean or remove filters, test damper operation, check vent covers.
15. Fireplace Chimney - Flue Pipe. Before start up of a wood burning fireplace the flue pipe should be checked for nests or blockage. Open the damper slowly, if there are no signs of pests, open fully, it is normal for some dust or ashes to fall into the fireplace. Leave the damper open and get a hair dryer turn it on high heat setting and blow the air up the flue line for 2-3 minutes to start an upward draft. test outside also to see the smoke come out of the top of the chimney.
16. GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. Test all GFCI outlets and circuits for operation, inside and outside.
17. Basement Sump Pump. test that it operates by filling sump area with water and visually inspect check valve for leaks.
18. Doorbells & Alarm Systems. fix that doorbell if it is needed. check the alarm system.
19. Generators and Backup Power Systems. If you have a backup electric generator, have it tested and check operation.
20. Gutters, Leaders and Splash block. Clean gutters and inspect that pipe connections are together.
21. Garage Door Openers. fix or remove weather stripping on garage doors. Inspect, adjust and lubricate garage door openers.
22. Snow Blowers & Shovels. Service and check snow blowers or snowblower attachments for lawn tractors, for safe and proper operation and keep fresh fuel stored in a safe place outside. remove broken snow shovels, brooms and sidewalk ice scrapers.
23. Doors and Windows. You should fix or replace weatherstripping as needed. change screens and install glass on storm doors.
