14 - Friday, February 23, 1990 - North Shore News

ASK QUESTIONS WHEN BUYING NEW SYSTEM

Knowledge key to heating safety

THE AVERAGE Canadian doesn’t have to travel far to en- counter potential hazards like high-voltage electricity, toxic gases, searing heat and flames. They can be found in the heating systems and equipment of almost any home.

That’s why the people who manufacture and install heating devices in Canada follow strict safety standards.

If you are considering installing a new heating system, or are mov- ing into a house with an existing one, look for a certification mark.

The Standards Council of Canada has accredited four organizations to certify heating equipment: the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Un- derwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) and Warnock Hersey Professional Services (WHPS).

The stamp of one of these organizations on a heating appli- ance means it meets the perfor- mance or safety requirements of one or more standards.

But certification isn’t a substitute for knowledge. Ask plenty of questions when shopping for a heating system and during its installation.

Your dealer, hydro company, gas company and fire department may have helpful brochures. Departments of the federal and provincial governments concerned with energy, housing and con- sumer issues may also be able to send you information on the various types of heating systems available and how to care for them. Here are a few tips:

Chimneys: Since chimneys con- duct hot, toxic gases away from your home, they are a critical component in heating safety. Fac- tory-built chimneys should be cer-

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tified and labelled by ULC or WHPS.

While different systems put dif- ferent demands on chimneys, common problems include con- densation damage and obstruc- tions. Both of these hazards can be battled by installing a cap and screen on top of the chimney to keep debris, birds and moisture out.

Creosote, a flammable substance that coats the inside of the chimney, is of particular concern when heating with wood. The greatest accumulation is usually at the upper end of the chimney, and should not be allowed to exceed three millimetres.

Finally, make sure your chimney is appropriate for the type of fuel being burned. When a_ heating system is changed, the chimney may also have to be modified to cope with the amount of heat and moisture being expelled.

Wood Heating: Wood-heating appliances are certified by the CGA, CSA, ULC and WHPS. Make sure the dealer helps you choose one that is the right size for your house.

If it is too large, you may get a lot of creosote build-up. Similarly, it is important that only well dried wood be burned. The humidity in wet wood will cause cooler burning and a rapid accumulation of creosote in the chimney.

It is critical that wood-burning equipment be installed a_ safe distance from furniture and walls. Check the certification label or owner’s manual for exact distances and stick to them. Even a little ex- cess heat fram a wood stove will cause the wood in a wall or floor to dry out and become gradually more flammable, with potentially disastrous results.

The entire system, including flue pipe and chimney, should be in-

spected yearly.

Oil and Gas Furnaces: Oil and gas furnace equipment is certified by the CGA, ULC and CSA. [ft is important to call a professional once a year for maintenance because malfunctioning furnaces may cause toxic gases to escape in- to the house rather than up the chimney.

Some things you may be able to do yourself. Keep the furnace area well ventilated and free from dust and litter. Check your owner’s manual for instructions regarding motor lubrication and fan belt in-

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For more complete information about home heating safety, talk to your dealer or contact one of the agencies listed in this article.

If you are interested in learning about standards, write to the Standards Council of Canada, 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1200, Ottawa, K1P 6N7. You'll receive a copy of the publication, Standards and Certification: What's in it for me.

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