When temperatures plummet and winter winds buffet your home, it's comforting to know your furnace is in proper working order. Checking out your heating system, during the warmth of summer, can prevent a lot of discomfort and maybe a disaster, such as frozen water pipes, a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's how to prepare your furnace for the winter.

*Clear Area Around Furnace

During the summer when you aren't using the furnace, it's tempting to use the empty space around your furnace for storage. Make sure there is nothing blocking access to the furnace and that no flammable materials are stored in the same area as your furnace.

*Have Duct Work Cleaned

At least every-other year you should have your duck work cleaned by a professional to remove dust build-up, bugs and anything that may have fallen in the return-air vents that will cause obstruction of air flow. A professional can clean where you cannot reach such as at joints and in the wall-stack that delivers air to each room.

*Cleaning The Furnace

Two components of a furnace that need to be cleaned yearly are the blower and motor. During the summer dust will collect on these and spiders will weave webs, which cause even more dust collection. Remove the coverings and either blow the dust out or vacuum the blower assembly, belts and pulleys to blower, and motor housing. Be sure to replace all covers when you are done.

*Pilot Lights (Oil or Gas)

Use a soft brush to remove dust from the pilot light. Light the pilot light per the manufacturer's instruction and make sure it stays lit. If it goes out and there is no draft to cause this, there are several things that need to be checked by a trained technician.

*Filters

Keeping your filter clean or replaced will help your furnace work better to deliver clean, warm air to your home. Dirty filters impede the air flow of your furnace. Remove your filter and hold it up to the light. If it appears clogged, it's time to replace it with one recommended by the furnace manufacturer. Make sure you install it correctly according to the arrows, which show air flow direction.

*Thermostat

Once the pilot light is lit, check your thermostat to make sure it works. Once you are sure it works, set it to a comfortable setting and adjust your clothing to stay warm. This might be a good time to consider installing a programmable thermostat to save on fuel costs.

*Insulation

Check your insulation to be sure none is loose or hanging. Squirrels, cats, birds and bats that may invade your basement or attic space often tear it loose for nesting materials. Good insulation will not only keep your home warmer, it saves money too.

*Fuel Lines And Electrical Wiring

If your furnace is propane, gas or oil follow the fuel lines to where they enter the house, checking for possible leaks or any other damage. Check the electrical wiring for all furnaces and have any frayed wires replaced.

*Carbon Monoxide Detector and Smoke Alarms

A good rule to follow is to change your batteries when Daylight Savings Time changes or on a particular holiday. Press the test buttons on each one to be sure they are working. Once they are ten years old they need to be replaced even if the test button says they are working. If you are in doubt, discard them and replace with new ones.

These easy steps will give you peace of mind and can prevent a lot of discomfort and even a disaster. It won't take you long to get ready for that first cold snap now that you know how to prepare your furnace for winter.

Learn more about this author, Pamela Kay.
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