Winter Furnace Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance of your furnace is crucial to ensure its efficiency, longevity, and safety. Here are the top 10 furnace maintenance tips to help you:

1. **Regular Inspections**
 Conduct visual inspections of your furnace regularly. Look for any       signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. If you notice any issues, contact a   professional technician for further evaluation.

2. **Change Air Filters**
 Replace or clean your furnace air filters regularly, typically every 1-3     months. Clean filters promote better airflow and improve the   efficiency of your furnace.  Also will extend the service life of your     furnace.

3. **Keep Vents Clear**
 Ensure that all supply and return vents are clear of obstructions, such   as furniture, curtains, or rugs. Unobstructed airflow helps maintain a   consistent temperature throughout your home.

4. **Check Thermostat Settings**
 Verify that your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and is     functioning correctly. Consider upgrading to a programmable   thermostat to optimize energy usage.

5. **Inspect the Exhaust Flue**
 Examine the exhaust flue for any blockages, such as debris or bird   nests. A clear exhaust flue is essential for the proper ventilation of   combustion gases.

**If you don't know what you are doing, this is something that should be left to a MichealFixIT professional.**

6. **Clean the Blower**
 Clean the blower assembly and its components. Dust and debris can   accumulate over time, affecting efficiency. Ensure the power is off   before cleaning.  

 **If you don't know what you are doing, this is something that should   be left to a MichealFixIT professional.**

7. **Lubricate Moving Parts**
 Lubricate the moving parts of your furnace, such as the blower motor   and fan. Refer to your furnace's manual for guidance on which parts   require lubrication and the type of lubricant to use.

 **If you don't know what you are doing, this is something that should   be left to a MichealFixIT professional.**

8. **Inspect Gas Connections:**
 For gas furnaces, inspect all gas connections for leaks. If you detect a   gas odor, turn off the furnace immediately, open windows, and     contact your gas utility company.

9. **Schedule Professional Maintenance (Ideally from MichealFixIT! )**
 Arrange for annual professional furnace maintenance by a qualified   HVAC  technician. A professional can conduct a thorough inspection,   perform necessary adjustments, and identify potential issues before   they become major problems.

10. **Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors**
 Place carbon monoxide detectors near your furnace and throughout     your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by   incomplete combustion and can be harmful. Detectors provide an   early warning of any potential issues.

Remember, safety is paramount when performing furnace maintenance. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with any task, it's best to consult  MichealFixIT to ensure the proper functioning and safety of your heating system.