CSU says prepare furnaces for winter

As colder weather approaches, you’ll get warm by turning on your furnace — but before you do, make sure you’ve had it inspected by a licensed professional.

That was the message Thursday from Colorado Springs Utilities.

CSU technicians went to a home to demonstrate how contractors check heating systems for inefficiencies, natural gas leaks and the presence of carbon monoxide — an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal.

“It’s something you should have done every year,” said Kevin Fisk, CSU operations supervisor. “Have the furnace filter checked up to every 30 days and have a carbon monoxide detector installed on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide detectors do have expiration dates.”

If your detector sounds, you should get out of your home and call CSU immediately, Fisk said.

“We’ll send someone over to check the carbon monoxide levels,” he said. “If necessary, we’ll call the Fire Department to vent the home.”

Fisk said CSU responded to 1,780 requests for carbon monoxide checks last year.

“You’d be surprised what can get inside your furnace and clog the mechanisms,” he said. “Dirt, bugs, spiderwebs.”

Fisk said electric furnaces require little to no maintenance but most furnaces locally are fueled by natural gas and are cheaper to operate than electric models.