Nobody wants to think about a heating system when it’s still warm and sunny outside, but the temperatures are starting to slide and that’s going to put the heat on. It’s a good time now to start tuning up your main heating system now before it wastes fuel and money or worse breaks down on you altogether during winter’s worst bite.
There are big savings to be had in making sure your heating system is operating at peak efficiency. Here are some suggestions for some do-it-yourself maintenance tips:
- Check and change filters regularly. Probably the easiest thing to replace and the one many homeowners forget about most often. Dirty clogged filters can reduce airflow and make your furnace work harder and less efficiently. Keep And that costs you more money.
- Your furnace vents to an outside area. Make sure it’s free from obstructions and that no wildlife have decided to make a temporary home inside it. And keep it clear of snow when the inevitable storm hits.
- Don’t crowd your furnace or boiler! Leave space and air around it. Even a small amount can be a fire hazard.
- Check heating ducts for air leaks and insulate those in unheated areas.
Ideally, the furnace should be inspected by a heating professional at least once annually just before its initial start-up for the season. The technician will check the flues and temperature settings, examine the heat exchanger for cracks, and check the safety mechanisms. A $50-$100 annual tune-up can reduce your heating costs by five percent – and if you got a gas furnace, it’s the best prevention against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Choose a contractor who’s been in business for at least five years and ask for customer referrals. Most established contractors are manufacturer dealers for a name brand furnace line and belong to a state, province or national trade association. Clarify that the contractor supports your furnace brand and stocks replacement parts.
By taking a few simple steps, this can be a safe and enjoyable winter season. Make that appointment today and know that your fuel-burning appliances have a clean bill of health. You know you’ll be saving money by getting them done now, instead of having to pay for emergency service in the middle of the night when your furnace fails. It’s a fact that heating technicians report that 75% of the repairs they make could have been avoided if the homeowner had maintained their furnace regularly.
0 Responses to “Save Money With a Furnace Tune-Up”