by Leann Zotis

Created on: October 23, 2009   Last Updated: March 12, 2011

The home furnace is one of those appliances in our homes that many of us take for granted. With the turning of a dial or the push of a button we expect that instant flow of warm air to envelope us and keep our homes comfortable no matter how cold it gets outside. We expect it to be there when we need it and we are greatly put out when it isn't.  In order to maintain a safe environment in your home, it's important to keep that furnace in optimal operating condition. This means planning for maintenance in advance of anything actually going wrong.  Failure to do so can result in heat loss, frozen pipes or something much worse such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

Basic furnace maintenance consists of some relatively simple, cost effective measures that will extend the life and proper functioning of your gas furnace for many years.

* Change furnace filters

Dirt build up in the furnace filter is the number one cause of reduced efficiency or furnace failure. That build up can occur surprisingly fast.  Replace disposable filters or wash and vacuum permanent filters according to manufacturer's guidelines.

* Inspect exhaust vents

Usually tucked away in the corner somewhere, it can be easy to forget about this critical arm of the furnace machinery until it clogs and causes a breakdown. Obstructions caused by a build up of fall leaves and a clever squirrel seeking shelter for his winter nest can set the stage for an expense repair bill. Check the exhaust vents at least twice a year for problems.

* Thermostat

Although usually located somewhere differently in your home from where your furnace is located, the thermostat is a vital part of a functional heating system. Before it gets too cold outside, check your thermostat by regulating the temperature up and down a few times and checking to be sure the furnace responds accordingly. If you don't already have one, consider installing a programmable thermostat. It will pay for itself in money and energy savings for years to come.

* Clutter control

Do not store anything of a combustible nature near the gas furnace. Stacks of newspaper, chemical containers and cans of paint or cleaning products can burst into flames if they are too close to the heat. While you're at it, why not clear away anything you might have stored nearby. For proper functioning a furnace needs to breathe. Eliminate obstructions whenever you can.

* Yearly maintenance

Perhaps the most important act you can perform to keep your furnace safe and functional for many years is to have an annual maintenance inspection performed by a certified furnace technician. The technician will be able to spot small problems before they become big, expensive problems. Much like any insurance policy, a small outlay of money upfront may save you huge expenses later on.

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