Winter is coming…are you (and your furnace) ready?

With cooler temps just around the corner, it’s time to make sure your home’s heating system is ready to face winter’s worst. After all, a little preparation and maintenance now can help keep the heat flowing when you need it most.

First thing’s first: Change or clean your furnace filter per the manufacturer’s instructions. This simple step not only helps keep your unit running efficiently, but it also saves energy and money.

It’s also a good idea to have trained professionals perform a seasonal tune-up on your heating system. These preventive services help provide peace of mind, knowing your unit is running at its best as winter arrives. A tune-up can also check for a carbon monoxide (CO) leak, which is a safety hazard. (Check your CO detector batteries, too.)

Next, don’t forget to clean and clear any obstructions from radiators, baseboard heaters and registers. This helps ensure the heat your system makes provides the most efficient impact throughout your home.

Finally, if you’re upgrading your heating system, consider ENERGY STAR^® models. While these units may cost a bit more upfront, the energy savings they provide over time definitely add up.