Who wants to think about the heating system when it's warm and sunny outside? But winter is never that far away, and having a heating system service done now will ensure that the heat will come on when it is finally needed.

We perform the following stepsto start maintenance your furnace:

• Inspect thermostat for proper operation.
• Inspect filter and change or clean as needed.
• Check all electrical components and controls.
• Oil motors as needed.
• Inspect heat exchanger for possible cracks. A crack in the heat exchanger will introduce carbon monoxide into the living space.
• Check air flow. If diminished, it may be necessary to clean the evaporator coil.
• Check air fuel mixture, where appropriate.

The first thing to check before turning on your unit is to make sure nothing flammable has been stored next to the furnace over the summer (we frequently find lawn mowers, gas cans, etc. stacked against the furnace in the garage!) Use the following as a guide:

• Run your heater for a few minutes now, before you need it. If you wait until the first cold morning to discover is isn't working, you'll find yourself on a waiting list before a heating and air specialist can come to fix it.
• Change the filters regularly. Dirty filters restrict air flow, reducing efficiency and worse case, can cause the heat exchanger to overheat. Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced. Electrostatic or electronic filters need to be washed regularly.
• Be sure all access panels are secure, with all the screws in place.
• Be sure the thermostat is set in the heating mode. Just setting the dial above room temperature will not activate the heat if it is still set in the air conditioning mode.