With winter just around the corner, the Westbrook Fire and Rescue Department is urging residents to make sure they have their furnaces checked.
Deputy Fire Chief Thaddeus Soltys said an annual furnace checkup along with preventative maintenance is the best way for residents to make sure there are no problems down the road with fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Soltys said homeowners can check their furnaces themselves by looking for rusted parts, water stains on the floor around the unit, or leaks. He said if any of these things are present, homeowners should call a professional repairman right away. In addition, Soltys said if a home has an old oil tank, the tank should be inspected for potentially dangerous pinhole leaks. Also, to reduce the risk of fire, Soltys said to make sure there are no flammable materials stored anywhere near the furnace.
For residents with natural gas furnaces, Soltys said residents should check their gas regulator during the winter to make sure it is clear of any snow or ice buildup and make sure any rain gutters are not dripping water directly onto the regulator or the gas meter. Soltys said ice or snow buildup could cause uncontrolled gas flow into a house.
“Local heating technicians also say that by having the furnace cleaned and maintained, your furnace will run more efficiently,” Soltys said. “With fuel prices over $2 a gallon this year it makes even more sense to have the furnace maintained.”
For more information, call the fire department at 854-0654.
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