BERLIN, Md.- Keeping warm on Delmarva could be tough for families that are not properly prepared. From chimneys to furnaces, now is the time to make sure both are in good shape.
Kathleen Naughton-Dykes , who lives in Berlin, does not miss a beat when it comes to winterizing her home each year. She said her home is older and she likes to keep both of her chimneys swept to avoid danger.
"It's absolutely terrifying to think of losing everything," she said.
Sean Johnson of Absolute Chimney Services said chimneys should be checked at least once a year, if its used often. He said it is important to keep chimneys' shaft clear.
" If you don't have proper maintenance, then you could have wildlife and different debris get inside your chimney and cause a fire," Johnson said.
He recommends using chimney caps to keep the passageway clear.
"If it's discolored , then you may have some issues going on," Johnson said. He also said dark smoke is not a good sign either.
In Sussex County, Donald Wickham, a technician with Austin Cox Home Services, was quite busy as well. He spent the afternoon inspecting a furnace inside a home in Frankford. He describes what you should lookout for.
"Number one, check to make sure you have gas in your tanks. Number two, make sure there are no bird nests or any obstructions in your ventilation," Wickham said. He also said the emergency switch should stay on.
If your furnace depends on a heat pump, Wickham said you should adjust your thermostat two to three degrees at a time to keep your electric bill down while you warm your home.
