Time for Winter Annual Furnace Service

We get our first real cold front this week and I am reminded that bi-annual service of your HVAC system is a good idea.  As I was working through an attic space a few days ago ran across a furnace flue separated in the attic. This was a foundation inspection, and I was inspecting the framing for visual evidence of damage which might be attributed to differential settlement requiring access to the attic.  I had accessed another part of the attic where the furnace might normally be serviced from but the damage to the flue was not evident from that direction.  I happened to see it from a very difficult to reach area.  A separation in the vent flue will allow flue gasses to escape to the attic including carbon monoxide.  There is the potential this could be drawn into the living space when the furnace is operating, and it should be repaired.  I don’t know when this damage occurred, but it is likely related to roof replacement as the client had recently had the roof replaced.  Roof replacement often results in flue pipes being knocked around and displaced sometimes against the framing which is another hazard.  While this was not the focus of the inspection, I took this picture and provided it to the client as a safety concern.  As we approach cool weather consider having your heating equipment serviced by an HVAC contractor who can insure it is performing properly and is still safe to operate.  Most are, but occasionally you run into problems.  If we can help you by performing a visual inspection, contact our office.