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Here you will find a collection of our most frequently asked questions. Just click on the questions to get the answer. If you can't find the answers here, contact us and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.
 How long should my furnace last?
It depends on the efficiency and brand of your furnace or air conditioner but generally accepted industry experience is: - Furnaces - 15 to 20 years
How often should I have my furnace cleaned and serviced?
All the manufacturers recommend cleaning and servicing your furnace annually. This increases the efficiency of your equipment when you keep it maintained. Our technicians know from simple observation that equipment that is not maintained deteriorates significantly when compared to well-maintained equipment.
What is the difference between a furnace and a boiler?
A furnace uses forced hot air to heat a home, whereas a boiler uses steam or hot water.
What can I do to ensure that my furnace operates safely and properly?
There are several things you can do:
- Make sure you are not storing anything flammable, such as gas cans or lawnmowers, near your furnace.
- Change your furnace filters frequently, at least once every 2-3 months or as needed. Dirty filters can restrict air-flow, causing your furnace to be less efficient at heating your home.
- After several months of not running your heat, turn it on just to make sure it is working. You don't want to wait until the first cold day of autumn to find out that your heat doesn't work.
- Have your furnace properly maintained with a professional tune-up.
Where is the reset button located? Why should you only press it one time?
The reset button is always red and is usually located on or near the burner. On systems that are 40 years old or older, the reset button is located on the smoke pipe. When the reset button is pressed it causes fuel to flow into the system. It is a bad idea to press the reset multiple times, because it can cause damage to the system.
What is a "prime and start"? Is this procedure different for a furnace than a boiler?
A break in the fuel line or an empty fuel tank would make it necessary for a technician to perform a prime and start on a furnace or boiler. To do this, the technician must first trace the oil line to the pump and loosen the bleeder valve. Then he must attach an oil line to the pump, press the reset button on the system, and allow the line to run until there is a steady stream of oil reaching the furnace or boiler. This process is the same for both a furnace and a boiler.
How can I convert my current heating system to natural gas?
In order to get Natural Gas, follow these steps that will lead you in the right direction: (Please visit Heritage gas for more detailed information)
- Contact Heritage Gas to see if natural gas is available in your area.
- Sign a Distribution Service Agreement
- Choose an Authorized Network Member. Example: Metro Burner Service
- Get Ready for Natural Gas.
- Service Line Installation
- Natural Gas Equipment Installation
Why are my heating costs different than my neighbors?
Variations such as the age of the equipment, equipment upgrades, different maintenance schedules, insulation, weather–proofing, thermostat settings and even landscaping can all make a big difference in heating costs.
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