Fall Furnace/Boiler Clean and Check

Wow, Can you believe it?  Cold weather is just around the corner which means it is time for those fall heating system clean and checks.  Whether it is a home furnace/boiler or a commercial rooftop unit/Boiler there are minimum things you should have your maintenance service company do.  I will provide a brief outline below-please note this is not complete or exact by any stretch-It is meant to be an outline/minimum in the applicable situation.

1.) visually inspect the heat exchanger/burner chamber. 
2.) Pull and clean burners, vacuum in, under and around equipment.
3.) Inspect the flue/vent pipe.
4.) Inspect and lubricate the draft inducer fan, the blower/supply fan, circulating pump.
5.) Check and clean fan wheels as necessary,
6.) Check pump coupling and mounts along with alignment.
7.) Clean and check the pilot ignition system.
8.) Perform combustion analysis and CO test.
9.) Inspect filter and Change as required.
10.) Check all safeties for proper operation./Clean all boiler water safeties and site glass.
11.) Check Thermostat-controls/Boiler water reset controls.
12.) Note any deficiencies and discuss with owner. 
13.) Provide detailed service report noting all readings etc for owner signature.

This preseason work is very important.  Not only for personal safety but also for operational efficiency.  I have seen equipment that was so dirty that it could have never provided sufficient heat.  At one site we found 20 units out of 21 inspected that posed severe Carbon Monoxide poisoning opportunities had they not been inspected.
The first operational inspection of each season is the most important.  While it may not eliminate the need for service during the season-no heat calls, needing to change filters again etc. It will improve the equipments efficiency, reduce your utility bills and keep your home more comfortable.
Remember-The 19.99 blue light special does not get the job done-I even would venture that 100% of the time technicians from these companies "FIND" problems.  Now there is no way to check this out because any one who is performing this "blue light special" service is stealing from their customers, so why would they be honest.
Keep warm and stay safe.