Prepare Your Furnace for Winter

With the days of autumn waning and kids preparing for Halloween, it is only a matter of days or weeks before the chilly days and nights of autumn and winter are upon us again. Now is the ideal time to prepare your furnace for the hard work it must soon do. Here is a list of furnace maintenance items to take care of yourself or have a qualified service company do for you:

* Change or clean the filter.

* Check drive belts (if any) for cracks or wear.

* Inspect gas lines and valves for cracks, corrosion and proper operation.

* Inspect pilot burner. Clean if necessary.

* Clear any dust or debris from interior of equipment.

* Inspect all wiring for cracks or looseness.

* Inspect warm air duct system for breaks or restrictions.

* Check exhaust ducts for breaks or restrictions.

* Inspect and clean main burners if needed.

* Check each register to ensure proper warm air flow.

* Contact your local Gas Company service center to arrange a safety check of the appliance. This is normally a free service that provides assessment of deadly carbon monoxide leakage. You can find the number in your local white pages.