People may have found themselves turning on the heat this week with the recent cold temperatures.


But did they get it properly checked when turning it on? 


Richard Reeves, the Owner of Reeves Plumbing and Heating explained, "When the temperatures start dropping especially in the middle of October currently and the weather is getting a little bit more rainier and cooler out, people tend to turn their furnaces on in the evening or in the morning when it's cooler out."


When turning on the furnace for the start of the season, there's a few things people can do on your own. However, if problems arise, that's when a service call may be needed to prevent future accidents. If people aren't getting warm air, are getting a burning smell or see the furnace leaking, then it may be time for a service call.


As Reeves explained, "We check the filters, a lot of homeowners check the filters which is very good, you really should chance them every heating or cooling season or depending what unit, changing it monthly. Batteries are big especially with thermostat, if a homeowner does not do that, we do that as well. We check the batteries and the hemostat, we check the amp draw on the motors in the furnace, we will clean any safety device that needs cleaned, we will check all the safety devices, check any capacitors. "


Reeves recommends a yearly service call for all furnaces, "As it gets colder outside, your equipment will run longer and in the beginning of the season it just runs for short periods, so the longer the equipment runs, the higher chance of a breakdown or a malfunction due to servicing."


He said heating equipment doesn't last as long as it used to, most have warranties from ten to fourteen years, so these service calls could save customers in the long run. "The newer equipment and boilers and everything are very sensitive, they need serviced at least once a year.", said Reeves.

Reeves also recommends making sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors throughout the home.