The heating system in farm-provided employee housing is critical to keep a farm business’s most important resource safe, comfortable, and productive. As harvest season approaches its downhill slide, so will the fall temperatures. Now is the time for annual maintenance and repair on the heating systems in farmworker housing. Not only does the heating system control temperature, but it is also responsible for overall indoor air quality.
Here is a pre-heating season checklist to keep farm-provided housing comfortable and to avoid costly inefficiencies:
- Replace the filters, even if they look clean.
- Check that there is a clear air space of six feet around the furnace.
- Inspect registers and returns in each room and ensure they are clean and free of blockages.
- Inspect exhaust vents on the interior and exterior of the building to ensure they are clean and free of blockages.
- Test thermostats for function and accuracy.
- Train occupants on proper use of the thermostat. Instruct them to adjust the thermostat if it gets too hot, and not to open windows or doors.
- Contact a professional for repairs that require more than routine maintenance. Burner, blower, and control repairs should be performed by a trained technician.
- Document all maintenance and repair and keep your receipts.
This is also time to check all smoke-detection devices, carbon-monoxide sensors, and fire extinguishers.
- Replace batteries in smoke-detectors and carbon monoxide-sensors. Do a system test, preferably with a resident present so they are prepared if the system is activated.
- Make sure fire extinguishers:
- Are in their designated places, visible, and appropriate signage indicating their location.
- Can be easily accessed, and the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position.
- Are full by lifting it or weighing it. Check the service date on tag.
- Refer to the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code for requirements on the types and locations of fire-detection and suppression equipment specific to the housing classification.
This is a great opportunity to demonstrate to workers that their safety and comfort is of great importance. If you have any questions or need additional resources, reach out to the team at agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu.
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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
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