The kids are back to school, which means that while the leaves are turning, the list of fall chores is beginning to grow. It is time to have the car serviced and close the pool, among other things. While we may not even want to think about the snow blower yet, with colder weather on its way, it is time to take a look at your heating system.

Every heating system should be inspected by an HVAC professional at the start of each season. There are critical components in today’s heating appliances that should be checked to deter failure during peak demands. Once a thorough evaluation has been completed by an HVAC professional, there are things you can check yourself as the heating season progresses.

If you have a forced air system, whether fuel oil, gas or electric heat pump, the air filter should be cleaned or replaced every one to three months, depending on the type of filter you have. A clean air filter will allow your furnace to operate more efficiently. A dirty air filter not only makes your furnace work harder to distribute heat throughout your home, but can also overheat your furnace and cause it to shut down when you need it most.

If you have a hot water system, whether baseboard or radiators, there are things to keep an eye on: Check for any leaks in the system, check the near boiler piping, check fittings, and/or valves at the baseboard or radiators, and check the gauge at the boiler that displays the water temperature and pressure. Typically, this is located at the front or side of the unit. The average hot water system operates between 12 and 18 psi. Low pressure does not allow the hot water to circulate to the second floor or higher. High pressure may cause the relief valve to do its job, which is to relieve any pressure in excess of 30 psi.   

If your home is equipped with a steam system, there are safety features that should be checked regularly. A good practice for maintaining a steam system is to check the water level in the boiler. Most steam boilers have a sight glass installed, similar to a commercial coffee pot. It’s a glass tube on the side of the boiler about 5/8 inch in diameter and between nine and 12 feet long. The water level should be about one- to two-thirds of the way up the glass. All steam boilers, by code, are equipped with a low water cut off. This is a safety device that shuts down the burner should the water level in the boiler become too low. This device should be checked monthly by draining water from the boiler while it is running. If the burner shuts down when the water level drops below a safe level, it is working properly. Most systems today will refill automatically and the burner will restart.

All heating systems require a little tender loving care. You certainly wouldn’t operate your car or truck for eight months without an oil change or tire rotation. Have your heating system cleaned and inspected by an HVAC professional at the start of this season. Ask the technician what you can do between inspections. Many HVAC contractors offer service agreements. These are pre-paid contracts to have your system checked once, twice, even four times a year — depending upon your needs. Many pre-paid agreements offer same day service, as well as a discount on other services your contractor provides. Consider adding a heating system inspection and/or service agreement to your autumn to-do list.

— Information provided by Ed and Jackie Keenan of Just Service Heating, Plumbing, Air Conditioning. 587-9885, www.justsvc.com.