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tribune october 25 1996 pit a n i m p o k 1 a n t mess a g e v r m consumers gas its time to prepare your heating system for cold weather for better heating economy and efficiency follow this easy step by step checklist heating system checkup o warm air systems clean furnace filters or replace disposable filters before the winter a dirty filter can reduce air flow and cause your system to work harder than it has to keep your electric motor and fan bearings andor pump lubricated for greater efficiency two drops of oil in the well each year should do it note some new motors do not need lubricating if you have a hot water heating system ensure that it is filled to the proper level by bleeding air from each radiator if you observe these basics you will soon find that using gas can be even more economical ey checkup its difficult to know when you liave a chimney problem first answer the following questions o does your chimney have a metal chimney liner is your heating system connected to a metal venting system that is not a brick or stone chimney if you answer yes to either of these questions you probably need not worry about your chimney being able to adequately vent your furnace any brick or stone chimney should receive periodic inspection from a chimney expert however here are three simple checks you can make yourself o check the cleanout pit at the bottom of your chimney should you find any debris remove it if it contains bits of mortar brick or stone erosion could be taking place use a mirror to look up your chimney through your cleanout door during daylight hours you should have an unobstructed view to the outside there should be no visual evidence of crumbling mortar brick or stone your chimney maybe offset whichwill not allow you a visual inspection with a mirror in such cases we suggest an inspection by a chimney expert check outside chimney brickwork you should not see a white chalky substance on the bricks stone or mortar if you have a problem if there is any chimney blockage above the vent connection turn off your heating system and your gas water heater immediately call a chimney repair company for an inspection if there is more than an inch of broken mortar brick or stone in the cleanout pit and you cannot see daylight using a mirror follow the instructions in step 1 if there is no blockage call a chimney repair company for an inspection you may operate the furnace and water heater until the chimney is inspected but you should check the chimney periodically for blockage until you have the chimney contractors report if you see a white chalky staimng on exterior brickwork stone or mortar but the cleanout pit is clear and there are no obstructions in the chimney or signs of deterioration on the chimneys exterior ask a chimney repair company for an inspection in the meantime you may operate your heating system safely consult your yellow pages for chimney builders and repairers some conservation tips follow these simple rules and the result will be a better more economical heating system make sure you have well fitting doors and windows a good fit keeps cold air out and warm air in proper weatherstripping arid caulking also helps rugs furniture drapes etc should not be allowed to obstruct warm air outlets and cold air returns proper attic insulation means lower fuel costs dampers in open fireplaces should be closed when j the fireplace is not in use hot water radiators will not heat effectively if air is in them all air should be bled off make sure your humidifier is working correctly proper hiunidification can contribute to heating economy and your comfort level drop by our office and ask for our folders what every householder should know about carbon monoxide and your home needs fresh air energy saver kit installing an energy saver water efficiency kit in your home can save you water and energy if you do not already have one a low flow showerhead could save you up to s4 a month depending on your usage by helping you to use and heatless water for only s1350 includes postage handling and taxes youll receive one adjustable spray showerhead one kitchentap aerator and one bathroomtap aerator to order your kit fill out the coupon and mail it to consumers gas energy saver po box 734 station scarborough ont m1k sc4thc cost will be charged to your consumers gas account please allow 46 weeks delivery please note this offer is available to consumers gas customers only name address city postal code consumers gas account number i i 1 offer eipircs december 31 1995 iii consumers gas