FURNACE MAINTENANCE Don’t get out in the col THE CANADIAN Gas Associa- tion (CGA) advises that now is the time to make certain your natural gas furnace is operating efficiently so that you get maximum heat for your heating dollar throughout the winter months that lie ahead. Modern gas furnaces are preci- sion-made and certified by the CGA to conform to government approved performance and safety standards. As a. general rule, ‘‘do it yourselfers’’ shorid never tamper with the major components of their heating system such as burners or controls systems. Refer this type of service to your gas util- ity or qualified maintenance com- pany. However, there are several minor maintenance jobs which consumers can, and should per- form during the heating season to keep their furnaces operating at peak efficiency. REFER TO MANUAL Good housekeeping pays off in fuel savings, so keep the area around the furnace free from dust and dirt. It is important to clear or change furnace filters several times during the winter as heavily soiled or clogged filters reduce furnace efficiency and, in extreme cases, can cause the furnace to shut off. In addition to the filter, inspect the fan belt.on the blower motor for signs of wear, and have it replaced if necessary. Vacuum the fan enclosure and lubricate the motor if recommended by the manufacturer in the owner’s man- ual which accompanies every furnace. PETAR ALA DAA o AAAs Aw pay RATATAT AAAS AIS GEE pe FOR COMFORT . ~ C * Improve your home with rollshutters * Mounted on exierior. operated fram in * Acts as a deterrent against vandalism « Reduces street noise * Protecis your drapes and turniture fro top ENTE element 10 Year Factory Gurantee * Available in double bladed insulated aluminum and PVC (plastic) « Keeps environment cool in the summer and warm tn the winter * Can be adjusted to control interior light conditions * Can be used 10 easily convert your carport to an enclosed garage * Available in all sizes and colours for application on windows. doors. patio enclosures, partitions. garages and many other areas Western Canada’ . RICHMOND No. 9 - 12851 BATHGATE WAY. 276-8268 Behind IKEA SRA ASO Always turn the furnace power switch off before removing furnace panels to inspect this area. Make sure to replace all panels securely and turn furnace switch back on when you are finished. The safe and efficient operation of heating systems depends on a properly maintained venting system. Masonry chimneys without a clay or metal liner should be ex- amined closely at Icast once a year for deterioration due to condensa- tion from the products of combus- tion. The clean out door at the base of the chimney should be opened and any debris found in the chimney base must be cleaned out. Use a mirror to look up the chimney and make sure it is free and clean from obstructions such as loose mortar or bricks. When a chimney has an offset, a chimney specialist should be called to exam- ine the flue passageway. Metal vents or plastic vents used on high efficiency gas furnaces re- quire virtually no maintenance. An annual visual inspection to ensure that connections have not become dislodged however, is a good safe- guard. SPARK IGNITION If you turned off the pilot for the summer, follow the manufac- turers’ instructions on or near the pilot contro! when relighting. After relighting, turn up the thermostat to make certain all burners are lit. Most new high efficiency gas furnaces utilize a spark ignition to light the burners. You can activate the sperk ignition by simply turn- at AATEC A BACAR BNA Ch APRESS EAA ES AND SECURITY —" side m fading element RPRISES LTD. 's Leading Rollshutter Manufacturer ing up the furnace thermostat when it is in the warm position. {f you encounter problems with either lighting system, refer maintenance to your gas company or qualified service representative. You can help improve your fur- nace’s efficiency in other areas of your home as well, by making cer- tain furniture, drapes and rugs do not cover warm air registers or impede the air flow from return air registers. To recap, CGA recommends the following steps to keep your gas heating system functioning effi- ciently this winter. - 1. Keep areas around your fur- nace clean and free from clutter. 2. Clean or replace air filters regularly during the heating season, 3. At the start of the heating season, check blower motor fan belt, clean around the blower area and lubricate the motor if recom- mended by the manufacturer. 4. Inspect masonry chimneys annually for debris, blockage and deterioration. 5. Arrange furniture, rugs and drapes so that you do not block warm air or return air registers in your home. Further information on furnace maintenance, and furnace maintenance plans offered by gas companies are available on request from your gas utility. 15 - Friday, September 19, 1986 - North Shore News NEWS phi ‘ers DIDDE CHRISTENSON holds up some of the beans and tomatoes she harvests every day from her garden. The woman has lived in her North Vancouver home for 22 years and has an extensive garden sur- rounding it. on Bedroom, Kitchen, Dining Room Furniture and much more! 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