With the promise of rising gas prices and scary heating bills before us, it makes sense to ensure that the ol’ furnace is working at peak performance. Lennox Industries Inc., a maker of heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality products, offers these maintenance checks that homeowners can do before it gets really cold (before doing any maintenance, turn off the unit and wait for the blower to stop):
– Replace the furnace filter and check it monthly throughout the winter. Dirty filters force the furnace to work harder, which wastes energy and increases the chance of damaging the unit.
– Check the blower compartment. Vacuum up dirt and dust, which can decrease efficiency.
– Remove clutter from around the furnace. Items placed near the furnace are not only a fire hazard, but they also may obstruct the air supply, which could lead to the production of carbon monoxide.
– Occasionally check that the chimney and flue pipe connections are tight and that there are no blockages or loose connections. Call your service representative if you think they need to be cleaned or repaired.
– Set the thermostat on “Heat” and move the setting above room temperature. Listen for any strange sounds and call a service person if you suspect problems.