Call Early

The main thing to remember is to call early if you are going to let a professional do the job. Late September or early October is the best time to call. Not only will it be easier to get an HVAC technician then, but you may actually be able to schedule an appointment so that you can make arrangements for someone to be there when the technician comes.

Contact Your Utility Company

You may also want to schedule an appointment with the utility company that supplies your natural gas to perform a routine inspection at the same time you schedule the HVAC technician. This way, you won’t have to make separate arrangements for someone to be present.

When you do schedule your appointment with the utility company, you want the inspecting personnel to check connections and pipes running from the gas source to the meter and then from the meter to the heating source. The technician will be able to determine if there are any problems that the utility company will need to address.

Find Out How Extensive the Inspection Is

When you schedule your appointment with the HVAC technician (if you are going to do this, rather than do it yourself), ask what the inspection will cover. Depending on what service you will receive, you may need to ask him to:

Make sure everything is working properly so that carbon monoxide is not escaping. This is also a good time to ask about purchasing carbon monoxide detectors or having them installed. Have pilot lights relit if they are extinguished during summer. Make sure area around furnace is clear to avoid fire hazards. Have the vents and ductwork professionally cleaned.