The Autumn leaves are turning their golds and reds. There is a biting chill in the morning air. The furnace kicks in for the first time in since late spring. The house is filled with that smell of burnt dust from the furnace heat.

The weather is getting cold. The air conditioning pump will not come on again until mid or late spring. For many, this year, the ole furnace has already turned its self on a couple of times or more.

No matter what type of fuel you use for heating this is a good time to do some preventive maintenance on the heating system. For the mechanically inclined, like myself, I can do much of it. All I have to do is follow a simple check list that I put together from over the years.

• Check thermostat settings – In summer time I have the A/C set at 75. In the winter months the heating side is set at 68. That way we can stay reasonably comfortable and save as much money as possible.
• Check all connections – It never hurts to walk around and grab hold of connections try to wiggle them. If they move, then it is time to pay closer attention to them.
• Change filter – Nothing can slow the flow of warm air faster than a dirty filter. Need I also mention that it will also affect the heating bills. Wasted money.
• Check seal around windows and doors - If you can see light from outside around a window or door then it is time to seal that leak with some form of weather stripping.

Now if you are not mechanically inclined or you just don’t have time. I definitely recommend getting a professional go through your place and get it winterized. Many heating specialist offer a discount for start of winter heating system furnace maintenance.

This service will include Professional Inspection and Gas Burner Tune Up  for only $39.95, per unit.

Make sure you get a company that use skilled journeyman technicians and not “filter changers”. Then have the inspector put the record of what he found and did in a pouch next to the furnace.

The important thing is NOT to break down during cold weather, but to enjoy some peace of mind.

Tags: furnace, Heating, winterization