Heating System Pre-Season Maintenance

Heating System Pre-Season Maintenance and Inspection

Published by CNA Risk Control

In order to have a safe and reliable heating system, preseason maintenance and inspection should be completed every year. Trained and licensed persons should complete all system maintenance. If using a contractor, verify the business is properly insured. Heating systems come in many designs. Maintenance and testing requirements vary. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance scope and schedule is mandatory in many jurisdictions. The lack or improper maintenance of heating systems can lead to frozen pipes, fire, boiler explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning and, in extreme cases, death.

While preparing your boiler for the heating season, check the carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, fire detection systems and extinguishers for proper operation and fitness for service. Always keep a clear zone around all boilers and hot water heaters. Avoid using the boiler room as a storage space. Do not keep combustible or flammable materials in the room. Maintain installed emergency lighting.

Following is a list of tasks that your technician should be performing:

  • Test and log the operation of all controls and safety devices, including all relief valves.
  • Clean applicable heat exchange surfaces.
  • Change system filters.  This could be air or fuel system filters.
  • Lubricate where required.
  • Verify proper combustion. Flue gas analysis requires a trained technician with specialized equipment.
  • Inspect all flue gas containing components, including the chimney.
  • Inspect the electrical service for the equipment, including equipment grounding.  Amperage draw should be noted for motors and/or heaters where applicable.
  • Fuel storage and delivery systems should be inspected. If you store fuel oil, it should be tested for presence of water contamination.
  • Where applicable, boiler feed system piping, tanks and pumps should be inspected.
  • Humidification systems should be inspected.
  • Fresh air intakes or louvers should be checked for general condition, especially blockage.
One item often overlooked when preparing the building for the heating season are the air louvers which are designed to introduce fresh air into the building. With this design, fresh air passes over heating coils just inboard of the louvers. In order to protect the coils from freeze damage, the correct operation of the louvers must be verified, including full closure. In extreme cold conditions, louvers that do not fully shut can result in frozen and burst heating coils. Lack of building heat can disrupt the work force leading to additional costs. Last but not least, have your heating system checked weekly. Logs are required in many jurisdictions. Any testing or inspection work should be documented and a history maintained. A sample log is attached as a convenience and aid.
To download a PDF of this article, along with a Boiler Log, go to: Heating System Pre-Season Maintenance and Inspection 2021.