Steam Gas Heat Furnace

Mickey_3

We have a steam gas heat furnace which is approximately 5 years old. Previously we had an oil heat furnace and had it serviced every summer. My question is what service is required on the gas heat furnace to insure not having problems during the heating season? Public Service says nothing is required.

Steamhead

\"Public Service says nothing is required\"

That's the standard response from gas companies.

But I'd have a pro come in to test the low-water cutoff, pressuretrol and other safety devices, look for leaks, check the operation of vents (adding or increasing size of main vents if needed), correct any uneven-heat conditions you may have, and run a combustion test with a digital analyzer to make sure you're not producing carbon monoxide (CO). This last should be done on all gas burning equipment every couple years or so. Have them test your gas stove too, if the ones I've tested are any indication I'll bet it's producing significant amounts of CO.

Try the Find a Professional page of this site to locate someone near you. If you're in the Baltimore area, e-mail me.

J.C.A._3

Mickey,

Steamhead has given his usual "sage advice". Nevermind Public Service. They will leave you hanging when the inevidable happens. Have a respected pro look at it and check all the safeties. A failure isn't a big deal to Public Service, but could cost you a bundle.

Only thing I would add to Steamheads post is to MAKE SURE THEY CHECK THE CHIMNEY/FLUE system (caps intentional!!!)

My thinking is at least every other year for a complete service, but with a steam boiler take some kind of educational course and learn to notice the warning signs. (Books and More, on the left is a good place to start!) Chris