Having had the opportunity to attend a Southern California Gas Company safety clinic I would like to pass along some important information.

Only about 30% of a home's heating system is reviewed by the local gas provider if they are called out for seasonal start-up. This leaves 70% of the review of the heating systems to the home owner or possibly to untrained personnel.

Heater venting systems are a major concern every winter in Southern California. During earthquakes vent systems can separate; especially the horizontal connector pipes associated with floor furnaces, allowing the potential for fire, or fumes to escape in unwanted areas possibly resulting in illness, fire, or death.

Floor furnaces can be dirty, prohibiting combustion air needed to allow for proper flame causing soot and the potential for aldehydes and allowing CO into the home.

If the property you are considering has a floor furnace be sure to ask your inspector to fully review the vent under the house.

Forced air heating units atop roofs may have loose or leaking gas lines. A homeowner may not realize there is a problem even though there may be higher gas bills. Roof mounted units may have damaged supports or other related damages.

Forced air heating units mounted in closets can be another potential for problems. Units today are required to be secured and mounted over the return air hole and tightly sealed. If not properly placed and caulked this could interfere with the flow of natural combustion air affecting the flame and cause venting gases, and possibly carbon monoxide, to flow into the home via the ducts. Some closets furnaces were found to have shifted up to four inches off the return air hole after an earthquakes.

Heater compartment (or closet) doors need to be sealed and should latch tightly if the return air register is within 10 ft. of the door.

Upper and lower combustion air openings located inside the closet should be clear of debris and obstructions, allowing combustion air to flow. Obstructions such as insulation can inhibit proper air flow causing the heater to burn improperly. Missing fire blocks below the lower combustion air vents can allow the venting process to reverse causing the heater to burn improperly and vent gas into the home through the ducting system.

Wall furnaces have a high potential for cracks in the heat exchangers so ask your inspector to review closely with a mirror and flashlight. The unit may need to be cleaned before lighting the pilot. Also ask your inspector to review the venting system the attic crawl inspection. Watch out for the home which has been occupied by the same owner for years. The heating system may not meet the safety standards of today and would typically, after an inspection by the gas supplier, be "redtagged" until replace or repaired. This could be uncomfortable for a new homeowner if the weather is extremely cold and the repair cost is out-of-pocket.

The Gas Company offers a no-charge a safety inspection to all customers. It is highly recommended. A diligent inspection of the heating system, venting, and a careful review of heat exchangers can possibly save a life or prevent loss by fire.

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