CLEVELAND, Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion East Ohio (NYSE: D) reminds customers that an annual inspection -- by a qualified, reputable contractor -- can help ensure their furnaces and other natural gas appliances deliver year-round safety, comfort and efficiency.

Besides helping customers receive maximum value for their energy dollars, an annual appliance inspection may prevent any potential carbon monoxide problems. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors provide a second line of defense, but they should not be used as a substitute for an annual furnace inspection. Combined with an annual inspection, however, CO detectors, placed in each bedroom, can offer additional peace of mind.

Along with that annual inspection, customers should change furnace filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.

While checking a furnace, the contractor should make a visual inspection of all vents, heat exchangers and motors. Dominion notes that a thorough inspection should include:

• Lubricating the blower bearings and blower motor as recommended by the manufacturer;
• Visually inspecting all vents, the heat exchanger and filters;
• Checking the pilot light if the furnace has one;
• Cleaning and checking the flame sensor on higher-efficiency furnaces with electronic ignition;
• Cleaning the main burners;
• Clearing the furnace area of any dust or combustible materials;
• Cleaning dust from the blower compartment;
• Testing the thermostat to ensure the heating system works as it should;
• Checking the safety components on the heating equipment, such as limit controls and pilot safety and pressure switches;
• Checking the flue to ensure it is clean and open. Any fuel that does not burn completely can create harmful levels of carbon monoxide. The gas can collect in a home if a fuel-burning appliance is not working or venting properly;

Customers should make sure an annual inspection includes all other gas appliances, such as water heaters, gas logs, vent-free heaters, ranges and clothes dryers.

About Dominion
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 25,700 megawatts of generation, 12,200 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,500 miles of electric transmission lines.  Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 933 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 5 million utility and retail energy customers in 14 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

SOURCE Dominion East Ohio