BUFFALO, NY – September 29, 2026 – JP Heating & Cooling, LLC, a Buffalo-based HVAC contractor, is advising Erie County homeowners to have gas- and oil-fired heating equipment professionally inspected before sustained cold weather arrives, citing federal data that links the heating season to a sharp rise in accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100,000 people in the United States visit an emergency room for accidental carbon monoxide poisoning each year, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that 84% of non-fire CO deaths associated with consumer products occur between September and April, a pattern the agency attributes to increased use of furnaces and other heating equipment during colder months.
The first sustained cold stretch of the season is a common point of failure for home heating systems. Equipment that has sat idle since spring is suddenly required to run for long periods, and problems such as a cracked heat exchanger or a blocked flue often produce no obvious warning signs. A professional inspection before the heating season is intended to identify these issues while repairs are still minor.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced when fuel does not burn completely. In a home heating system, common causes include cracked heat exchangers, blocked or disconnected flue pipes, improperly adjusted burners, and restricted combustion air. Because early symptoms of exposure, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea, resemble the flu, poisoning can go unrecognized.
New York State law adds a second layer of protection. Amanda’s Law, which took effect in February 2010, requires carbon monoxide alarms in one- and two-family homes that have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Detectors generally have a service life of five to ten years, and homeowners are advised to check the manufacturer’s replacement date printed on each unit.
Heating costs are also a factor this season. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s most recent Winter Fuels Outlook projected that Northeast households heating with natural gas would spend an average of $868 over the winter, and electrically heated homes in the region an average of $1,519. Dirty burners, clogged filters, and poorly calibrated thermostats can force heating equipment to run longer to maintain the same indoor temperature.
A typical pre-season heating maintenance visit from JP Heating & Cooling includes filter replacement, burner cleaning, heat exchanger inspection, flue and venting checks, gas leak detection, carbon monoxide level measurement, airflow verification, and thermostat testing. Heat pumps and ductless systems receive refrigerant checks, defrost-cycle testing, and outdoor unit inspections.
The company recommends that Erie County homeowners take the following steps before winter:
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Schedule a professional furnace or boiler inspection before the first sustained cold snap.
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Replace or check furnace filters and keep them on a regular replacement schedule through the season.
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Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and replace any unit past its expiration date.
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Keep outdoor exhaust and intake vents clear of snow, ice, and debris throughout the winter.
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Never use a gas oven, grill, or portable generator to heat a home or garage.
More information on heating system maintenance and safety inspections in Buffalo and Erie County is available at https://controllingyourair.com/
About JP Heating & Cooling, LLC
JP Heating & Cooling, LLC is a BBB-accredited HVAC contractor based in Buffalo, New York, with more than 10 years of experience serving Erie County homeowners. The company provides furnace and boiler service, heat pump and ductless mini-split installation, air conditioning, and HVAC controls across Buffalo, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Clarence, East Amherst, West Seneca, and Williamsville. Its mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable home comfort, and it offers a 10% discount on service calls for veterans.
Media Contact
Company Name: JP Heating & Cooling, LLC
Contact Person: Jim
Email: Send Email
Phone: (716) 621-2842 / (716) 832-8200
Address:2060 Niagara St
City: Buffalo
State: NY 14207
Country: United States
Website: https://controllingyourair.com/