It’s flue season: Tips for keeping your gas appliances healthy

Follow our checklist to keep your home heating gear in tip-top shape this winter

Whether you live in a mild climate or experience frigid temperatures, winter means your home heating equipment works harder to keep you comfortable. 

At Spire, we recommend having your furnace and fireplace flues serviced once a year by a licensed professional to make sure everything is working properly. Here’s why:

1. Safety: Safety for those living in your home is always most important. Over time, flue pipes can accumulate debris that needs to be properly cleaned and cared for. 
2. Efficiency: A clean and well-maintained flue allows for proper ventilation and helps your appliance work the way it’s supposed to. If there are blockages or buildups in your flue, it may cause your furnace to work less efficiently. This can result in higher energy bills and poor fuel consumption. 
3. Prevention of carbon monoxide (CO) buildup: Blocked or poorly functioning flues can lead to the release of carbon monoxide (CO) into your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is dangerous in high concentrations. Annual flue inspections help identify and address issues that could lead to CO buildup, protecting your family.
4. Prolonged appliance life: Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address issues early, preventing them from turning into more significant problems. This can extend the lifespan of your heating appliance and save you money on repairs or replacements in the long run.
5. Insurance requirements: Some insurance policies require proof of regular maintenance and inspections for heating appliances and chimneys. Be sure to check your insurance policy to see if this is the case. 

If you’re ready to schedule your annual inspection, you can find a contractor through our database >