Change or clean your furnace filter

When was the last time you changed or cleaned your furnace filter? Failing to check the filter regularly can be costly: dust and dirt can work their way into the blower and coil assemblies, reducing the furnace's operating efficiency and eventually damaging the motor.

In fact, heating technician say more than half their service calls are caused by simple dust and dirt clogging up vital motor parts!

Most dealers recommended changing disposable filters once a month, or cleaning reusable filters every other month.

Clear outdoor exhaust vents

During the winter, be sure to clear snow and ice away from the intake and exhaust vents outdoors. If the vents become blocked, dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can back up into the house, and the furnace could shut down.

Schedule an annual tune-up

An annual checkup by a service technician is also a good idea - especially if you have a natural gas system. The technician will check the flues and temperature settings, examine the heat exchanger for cracks, and check the safety mechanisms.

A $50-$100 annual tune-up can reduce your heating costs by five percent – and it’s the best prevention against deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

More do-it-yourself maintenance

Other easy ways to keep your furnace running efficient include:

• Check the owner's manual to see if the blower motor should be lubricated. If you have an older heating unit, you might need to add a drop or two to each oil port.

• Replace frayed belts.

• Check flues or vents for cracks or blockages.

• Check the condensate drain to make sure it is properly attached and flowing freely.

Remember to read your owner's manual carefully before doing any maintenance work, and always shut off power at the service panel first.

                 A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

        Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen within a matter of minutes and is responsible for more than  deaths than any other single poison. This odorless, colorless poison can hurt you slowly in low levels, and can cause permanent neurological dysfuctions in moderate levels or takes life in higher levels. Protection against this deadly poison is as easy as installing a simple carbon monoxide detector in your home office.

           CO emissions  are produced whenever fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced while using fuel-burning appliances is usually not harmful. It becomes hazardous when appliances are used improperly or are not functioning adequately.

        Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious threat that people need to get informed about. By educating ourselves on the dangers of CO we can significantly reduce the health risk as well as save lives. Although everyone needs to be aware of the dangers, some people are more susceptible than others. The following are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Foetuses
• Infants
• Elderly People
• Those who suffer from anaemia, respiratory or heart disease

                    Precautionary Measures
       Routinely at the beginning of every heating season home owners should have their fuel burning appliances checked by a qualified technician. Appliances deteriorate with time and can be a health risk to those who live in the home.

       Besides having your appliances inspected, those using fuel-burning appliances should have their homes equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to provide added peace of mind. Appliances can break down any time of year so it is important to have a back-up system in place to keep you informed when CO levels increase. A CO detector should be placed on every floor in the home to provide the best protection. Also knowing which carbon monoxide detectors to choose and knowing how CO detectors work can help maximize security.

       Health Risks
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with other illness symptoms and can often go undetected. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result in long term health problems if not treated promptly. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches and light-headedness should be checked by a physician especially when more than one person in the home is showing symptoms.