02 Oct October is Prime Time for Tuning up and Inspecting Home Heating Systems

The sweltering weather of August is fast becoming a distant memory, and soon our air-conditioners will be done for the season. All across Westchester, kids have returned to school, our favorite football teams have started their fall seasons and Halloween decorations have made their way onto store shelves.

With the cool weather approaching, it won’t be long before we find ourselves turning up the heat in our homes. Experts advise homeowners to schedule a heating system tune-up before the cold weather hits, to ensure that the homes heating system is both safe and reliable for through the entire winter season.

Jeffrey Grasso, president of Grasso Development Corp. in New Rochelle, NY, says October is the time homeowners should schedule their heating system tune-up, which will both identify and eliminate unsafe conditions, as well as making it less likely that the home’s heating equipment will encounter problems during the heating season.

“An inspection and tune-up of the home’s HVAC systems should be done every year,” said Grasso. “A tune-up by a qualified HVAC professional will typically save money in the long run, because it makes your heating system run more efficiently and safely.”

Grasso says a tune-up is a great way to protect the investment that has been made in the home’s HVAC system, and can help it last longer, run more efficiently and more hassle-free.

“As much as half of the energy consumed in your home is used for heating and cooling,” said Grasso. “

• When your heating system is working properly, it is able to provide the heat you need by burning less fuel. This is good for your wallet and it’s also good for the environment.”

A typical tune-up for the home’s heating system covers the following items:

• Replacing the filters in the system
• Checking all gas or oil connections
• Inspect heat exchanger for cracks, which if left unchecked could allow dangerous carbon monoxide to escape into the home
• Check air flow
• Lubricate moving parts
• Check all electrical components and thermostat controls
• Visually inspect the entire heating system
• Vacuum clean all heating surfaces
• Adjust the burner for high efficiency
• Inspect the oil tank where applicable

Grasso recommends homeowners also consider adding a programmable thermostat if they don’t already have th

at feature, sealing ducts and improving insulation, and weighing the option of replacing heating systems if they are more than 15 years old. He also noted that substantial energy savings can be accomplished in older homes by replacing windows and doors with energy efficient replacements.

Grasso also recommends that homeowners take steps to properly close down their central air-conditioning systems for the ye

ar. There are some simple steps that can be taken which will prolong the life of the system. These include cleaning the exterior unit, inspecting it for damage and properly covering unit to prevent damage from weather and wildlife.

Grasso Development is proud to offer heating and air conditioning products and parts from the industry’s leading suppliers — Carrier Infinity Systems,Weil–McLain, and Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems. If you have questions about your home’s heating and cooling system, or for information on which products might be best for your needs, call Grasso Development at (914) 632-0525.