Is Your Furnace Winter Ready?

By Author: Mrs. Shannon Egan
Total Articles: 76
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Did you know that the word furnace is Latin for oven, or that the earliest furnace found has been linked to the Indus Valley Civilization (which dates back to about 2500-1900 BC, and was located in western India)? Back then, furnaces were almost entirely used for the making of ceramic.

These days, however, the furnace's main purpose is to keep you and your family warm, especially during the long, harsh winter months. Is your furnace winter ready? Now is the time to make sure because you want it working properly when the winds start biting and the snow starts falling!

My Furnace Winter Maintenance Checklist:

Burners: Your burners help generate the heat that warms your house! Without efficient burners you will not be warm this winter!
Air filters: You should already be replacing your air filters every month in order to prevent poor air circulation, and wear down of parts inside the furnace.
Furnace system: Does your furnace make a lot of noise? If so, it is not lubricated enough. A properly lubricated furnace will decrease the amount of sound your furnace makes and increase its life span. But, ...
... be careful not to over lubricate in order to avoid unnecessary problems!
Carbon monoxide tests: Verify that your furnace is not blowing carbon monoxide around your home!
Ductwork: Loose air ducts can decrease air circulation.
Air locks: Air locks can create blockages that will prevent hot air from reaching every room in your home.
Fans & pumps: Make sure your fans and pumps are all operating appropriately.
Exhaust pipe: Clean your exhaust pipe as often as possible to keep it from clogging! Clogging can decrease the efficiency and damage other parts of your furnace.

Buying a new furnace

Once you have checked off the items on this list you might find that your furnace needs to be replaced. If this is the case make sure your new one is installed professionally, and is energy, cost, and time efficient. Keep in mind that your furnace should last for 15 years, but can last up to 20 years if you perform these regular maintenance duties.

If you are a Utah resident, call a professional service technician if you haven't had a yearly inspection. They will take care of all your Utah heating concerns! For more information about Utah heating and Central Air Conditioning experts visit us www.harrisairsystems.com now!