Keep your home warm, safe as the temperature drops

HENDERSON, NV, January 05, 2012

As the weather cools down, most of us will be reaching for the thermostat to turn up the heat. Unfortunately, many people don't think about maintaining their home's furnace until something goes wrong and they are left in the cold. Your furnace is the largest gas-fired appliance in your home and requires regular maintenance to run safely and efficiently.

The easiest and most cost-effective step a homeowner can take to improve efficiency is to change the air filters in the furnace regularly. Replacing dirty filters will save money on your energy bill and will lengthen the lifespan of the equipment. Exactly how often filters should be changed depends on how often the system runs and how dusty the conditions. When filters become clogged with dirt and debris airflow is restricted, meaning the furnace has to work extra hard to produce the same amount of heat.

Another way to save money is to install a programmable thermostat which can be set to raise the temperature at certain times, like when you get out of bed in the morning, and lower the temperature while you are away at work. Using a programmable thermostat helps ensure that your system is not running more than needed.

When firing up the heater for the first time, it is normal to notice a slight burning smell. What you smell is burning dust that settled on the heat exchanger over the spring and summer months. The smell should dissipate after about 30 minutes of use. However, if you smell paper, wiring, or plastic burning, turn off your system immediately and call a professional.

To avoid any problems, it is a good idea to have a professional inspect your system once per year. The furnace is usually tucked away in a garage, attic, or closet of a home, so a small problem can grow into a large one before it is discovered. A professional technician will check wiring, control boards, heat exchangers, and safety devices to make sure they are all working properly. He or she will also test the system's motor to make sure it is using the correct amount of power. Pulling too much power is an early warning sign that a motor is about to fail.
Finally, the technician will make sure the exhaust is venting properly. Your furnace is set up so the gas burned off by the flames that keep you warm is routed outside. But if there are any holes in the system or if something is not functioning properly, dangerous carbon monoxide could enter your home.

By keeping up with maintenance on your home's heating system and enlisting the help of a professional once per year, you will keep your family warm and safe during the cold winter months.

Jim Anderberg is general manager of Beutler Air Conditioning Service in Sacramento. For more information, visit http://www.beutler.com.

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