Fall Cleaning in August?
There is a list of fall maintenance that should be completed in order to keep your propane system running smoothly. A proper cleaning of your heating system is essential for safety and optimal performance. Of course, there are two types of people in this world. Those who plan ahead and those who wake up one chilly morning, crank up the heat, and discover their propane system decided to take an early retirement. Quick question: Do you track your mileage and schedule your car’s oil changes accordingly…or do you just use the check engine light as a reminder? Really? Wrong answer, sport.
Summer is Almost Over
Whether we want to admit it or not, fall is on the way and a professional cleaning should be done before firing up your heating system for the first time this season. Keystone does hundreds of cleanings every fall, but they take time. So, before Mother Nature reminds us all that SHE’S in charge, call us to get on our fall cleaning schedule. Vented or vent-free fireplaces, heaters, or heating stoves, we’ve got you covered.
Do-It-Yourself Maintenance
Now that we’ve established you’re a responsible person who plans ahead…right? Right? There are several things you can (and should) do to get ready for the heating season. Don’t worry. These are easy and you won’t even break a sweat. You’ll blow through the list in no time!
1. Your Propane Tank
- Visually inspect your tank. If there are any signs of rust or corrosion on the fittings or the tank itself, let us know immediately.
- Give a good sniff. If you smell propane, call us immediately. Propane is odorless, however, Ethyl Mercaptan is added to propane to give it that distinctive rotten egg smell. A potential leak is nothing to sniff at (see what I did there?)
- Check the gauge. If your supply is getting low, there’s no better time to top off your tank.
2. Give Your Appliances Some Attention
Take a few minutes to inspect your propane appliances for anything unusual, such as:
- Strange noises
- Unusual odors
- Pilot lights that won’t stay lit
- Visible damage
- Rust or corrosion
- Anything that simply looks… questionable
If something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it. Contact a qualified professional for service.
3. Clear Ventilation
Clear any debris or other obstructions to ensure vents and flues are not blocked. Depending on the type and severity of blockages, the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning rises substantially.
4. Appliance Filters
Clean or replace the air filters on your propane appliances based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
5. Test Detectors
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries or the devices themselves, if needed.
6. Check Your Generator
If you rely on a propane generator as back-up, now is the time to give it a once-over. Make sure it’s operating properly and you have an adequate supply of propane for when you need it.
7. Miscellaneous
- When the weather changes and the leaves start falling, please make sure to keep a path and the immediate area around your tank clear of debris and snow. In fact, anything that could interfere with propane deliveries, should be removed,
- Familiarize yourself and your family with the location of your propane tank’s shut-off valve. Learn how and when to use it.
Wrap-Up
A little bit of planning and effort during this time of year can eliminate serious issues you may run into this fall/winter. Take some time now, while the weather is still nice, to avoid complications later, when it’s not.