Furnace

Keep these points in mind when you have your HVAC equipment raised or floodproofed:

a) Changes to the plumbing, electrical system, and ventilating ductwork in your house must be done by a licensed contractor, who will ensure that the work is done correctly and according to all applicable codes. This is important for your safety.

b) If you are having your existing furnace or hot water heater repaired or replaced, consider having it relocated at the same time. It will probably be cheaper to combine these projects than to carry them out at different times.

c) Similarly, if you have decided to raise your HVAC equipment, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit at the same time. Upgrading can not only save you money on your heating and cooling bills, it may also make you eligible for a rebate from your utility companies.

d) if you decide to protect your HVAC equipment with a floodwall, remember that you will need enough space in the enclosed area for system repairs and routine maintenance. Also, depend-ing on its height, the wall may have to be equipped with an opening that provides access to the enclosed area. Any opening will have to be equipped with a gate that can be closed to prevent flood waters from entering.

Remember to clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month, or as needed.

A fuel tank can tip over or float in a flood, causing fuel to spill or catch fire. Cleaning up a house that has been inundated with flood waters containing fuel oil can be extremely difficult and costly.

Fuel tanks should be securely anchored to the floor. Make sure vents and fill line openings are above projected flood levels.

Propane tanks are the property of the propane company. You will need written permission to anchor them. Ask whether the company can do it first.

Make sure all work conforms to state and local building codes.

Keep your furnace tuned and in top condition. Proper maintenance of your furnace can save 6 to 10 percent of your heating bill. Have a certified technician look at your furnace and make the necessary adjustments before the heating season starts.

Oil-fired boilers should be professionally cleaned and tuned once a year. Gas-fired equipment needs to be checked every other year.

Bigger is not always better! Too large a system costs more and operates inefficiently. Have a professional assess your needs and recommend the type and size of system you should purchase.

Insulation and air-sealing improvements to the shell of your home will always improve your comfort, regardless of the size and type of heating system installed. Weatherization may also allow the installation of a smaller, more economical heating system.

Check your delivery ticket to ensure that the amount of gallons delivered was mechanically printed on the ticket.  Many states do not allow the gallonage amount to be handwritten, it must be mechanically printed on the ticket. Also, be sure to retain all your delivery slips and check to make sure the price per gallon appears on the ticket at time of delivery.

Determine the daily oil consumption by dividing the number of days between deliveries to determine the average amount of gallons used per day. A sudden increase in the amount of fuel used daily could mean a fraudulent delivery took place or the burner is malfunctioning.

If you own or are planning to install a high-efficiency gas furnace, ask a certified chimney sweep to check that the furnace is vented in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code.