Are You Taking Proper Care Of Your Furnace During The Winter?

In the winter, you naturally spend more time inside. The days are shorter. The temperatures drop, making it difficult to be outside for any length of time.

So your furnace gets used a lot to keep you warm and comfortable. But did you also know it keeps you safe?

Because your furnace controls air movement, it also impacts the quality of the air. Dirty, polluted air can trigger all kinds of respiratory diseases, including allergies and asthma. And if your furnace isn’t operating properly, it can even introduce carbon monoxide to the air.

When was the last time you gave your furnace a little TLC and made sure it was operating correctly?

The most important step you can take is to change out your air filter on a regular basis. The air filter filters out dirt, debris, and other pollutants to ensure it doesn’t enter your air supply. If the air filter is filled with dirt, it can’t operate effectively. At a minimum, change it out seasonally. If you have an active household with pets and kids, or someone suffers from respiratory illness, change it on a more frequent basis.

You should also have your duct work cleaned and checked every year. When was the last time you took this step? What has been gathering in the depths of your duct system? Not only can they accumulate dust, but they can also wear out. Cracks, leaks, and other problems can occur over time as your system operates and changes with each year.

You should also be conscious of any chemical cleaners or fresheners you use inside your home. They can easily be circulated throughout your home, and wind up making your family sick. Stick to natural cleaners whenever possible.

Also, don’t forget to schedule a maintenance appointment to have a technician fully evaluate your system before winter kicks into high gear. A professional has the ability and the resources to ensure everything in your system is working correctly, and will keep you safe and warm all winter long. A few inexpensive repairs early on will make your system more efficient, and will prevent further breakdown, possibly even with the need for replacement later on.

Have you scheduled your maintenance visit yet?