Furnace Maintenance

Save on utility bills and head off carbon-monoxide problems with these tips.

Filed under: Maintenance

The risk of carbon-monoxide gas leaks is why it's so important to have professionals inspect your furnace once a year. They can find problems before they become dangerous. And besides cutting the risk of carbon-monoxide problems, keeping your furnace well maintained can save as much as 10 percent a year on your heating costs.

Between annual checkups, there are a few things you can do to stay on top of burning furnace issues:

Replace the air filter regularly and keep the fan compartment door tightly sealed. That way the furnace won't have to work as hard.
Use a flashlight to inspect the furnace for burned or damaged wiring. Have damaged wiring repaired as soon as possible.
Make sure the furnace flue is connected securely to the masonry or metal utility flue. A leak could allow carbon monoxide gas to escape.