If you expect your home’s heating system to keep you warm in the dead of a winter’s night, you need to make certain it’s well-maintained and functioning the way it should. Proper furnace maintenance will ensure you stay warm and safe when the weather outside is cold and stormy.

Here are 5 tips for furnace maintenance and safety that should be on the top of your to-do list in preparation for the winter season:

Replace your furnace’s air filter. Furnace filters catch dirt, dust, pet dander and airborne bacteria. Changing them regularly improves the quality of the air you breathe and can also alleviate symptoms of asthma and allergies. Clogged filters also make your furnace run harder than it needs to, decreasing its efficiency and increasing your fuel costs.

Clean your air vents and ductwork. You can use a vacuum to remove what is accessible but for a really good job, you’ll want to hire a professional in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.  An  HVACR technician has specialized tools and training to ensure that your heating system is operating at peak efficiency.

Vacuum and clear the area surrounding your furnace. Dust and lint can build up beneath and around your furnace and cause a fire. Be sure to keep the area around your furnace clear of furniture, rugs, and other potentially combustible materials.

Inspect all exhaust vents and flues to ensure proper air flow. Remove obstructions such as animal nests, branches, leaves and debris. An improperly vented furnace can create a buildup of poisonous gases that can cause illness and even death.

Install an auto on-off device.You don’t want to waste money heating your home when you’re not there. On the other hand, you definitely want to make sure the heat comes on when it needs to. A too-cold house can lead to frozen pipes that can burst and damage not just your heating system  but your whole house.

If you already understand just how important a well-maintained heating system is to your own home, maybe a career working on those systems would be right for you. HVACR technicians can save the day when the heat goes down or help install and maintain systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. At Porter and Chester Institute, we offer our HVACR programat campuses in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Contact us today to schedule a school tour.