CLEVELAND, Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion East
Ohio (NYSE: D) reminds customers that an annual inspection -- by a
qualified, reputable contractor -- can help ensure their furnaces
and other natural gas appliances deliver year-round safety, comfort
and efficiency.
Besides helping customers receive maximum value for their energy
dollars, an annual appliance inspection may prevent any potential
carbon monoxide problems. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors provide a
second line of defense, but they should not be used as a substitute
for an annual furnace inspection. Combined with an annual
inspection, however, CO detectors, placed in each bedroom, can
offer additional peace of mind.
Along with that annual inspection, customers should change
furnace filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.
While checking a furnace, the contractor should make a visual
inspection of all vents, heat exchangers and motors. Dominion notes
that a thorough inspection should include:
- Lubricating the blower bearings and blower motor as recommended
by the manufacturer;
- Visually inspecting all vents, the heat exchanger and
filters;
- Checking the pilot light if the furnace has one;
- Cleaning and checking the flame sensor on higher-efficiency
furnaces with electronic ignition;
- Cleaning the main burners;
- Clearing the furnace area of any dust or combustible
materials;
- Cleaning dust from the blower compartment;
- Testing the thermostat to ensure the heating system works as it
should;
- Checking the safety components on the heating equipment, such
as limit controls and pilot safety and pressure switches;
- Checking the flue to ensure it is clean and open. Any fuel that
does not burn completely can create harmful levels of carbon
monoxide. The gas can collect in a home if a fuel-burning appliance
is not working or venting properly;
Customers should make sure an annual inspection includes all
other gas appliances, such as water heaters, gas logs, vent-free
heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.
About Dominion
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters
of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 25,700 megawatts of
generation, 12,200 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and
storage pipeline, and 6,500 miles of electric transmission
lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural
gas storage systems with 933 billion cubic feet of storage capacity
and serves more than 5 million utility and retail energy customers
in 14 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the
company's website at www.dom.com.
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SOURCE Dominion East Ohio