| Simcoe Oilburner Service Ltd. compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you understand the new certification process put in place by the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA). |
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| 1. What is a Comprehensive Inspection? |
| 2. How is a Comprehensive inspection done? |
| 3. What are the most common problems with a heating system? |
| 4. What are the benefits of a Comprehensive inspection? |
| 5. Where can I find more information? |
1. What is a Comprehensive Inspection?
Ontario Regulation 213/01 was passed in June 2001, which requires fuel oil distributors be satisfied that all fuel related equipment to which they supply fuel oil is compliant with the requirements outlined in regulation 7.1. Compliance to this regulation requires that a comprehensive inspection of all fuel related equipment such as storage tanks, piping, oil-fired furnaces, stoves, water heaters, boilers, etc., be completed by a TSSA certified technician. In case of non-compliance the oil distributor is legally obliged to terminate the fuel oil supply to your home. The deadline for the comprehensive inspection is May 1, 2007.
The comprehensive inspection has to be done at least once every 10 years - as per Ontario Regulation 213/01.
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2. How is a Comprehensive Inspection done?
This can be done at the time of an annual cleaning and servicing of your furnace and heating system. Our licensed Technician will run some tests and fill out the required forms. Typical questions on the forms are draft requirements, type of chimney, installation codes, etc. The other half of the inspection is on your oil tank, which is also inspected for safety and installation code requirements. These two documents are in triplicate. You will be given the customer's copy for your record. Another copy will be sent to your Oil Provider and the third copy will be kept on file at our office for future references.
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3. What are the most common problems with a heating system?
The most common problems with a heating system are venting, oil lines and old oil tanks. Unless a furnace has a cracked heat exchanger or other safety issues it will usually pass. The oil tank is usually the main issue as we must RECOMMEND it be replaced if it is older than 20 years, or the age cannot be proven. Only your insurance or your Oil Provider can force you to replace your tank if they feel it is a safety risk. We will only force the issue if your tank is found to be unsafe at the time of inspection, in which case the Technician would give notice in writing and attach a red tag to the fill pipe.
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4. What are the benefits of a Comprehensive inspection?
To know that your heating system is safe and in compliance with government regulations.
Our experience in the last 3 years of doing these inspections shows that most people are grateful to know that their heating system is safe and meets the code requirement. When selling or purchasing a property the comprehensive inspection of the heating system is normally required as part of the deal. Many insurance companies are requesting a copy of your comprehensive inspection on renewal.
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5. Where can I find more information?
A good source of information on upgrades, equipment comparison and energy saving options can be found at www.todaysoilheat.com. |
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