As the cold settles in and winter approaches, the more you'll be using your furnace. However, like any appliance, any usage must be done with safety in mind. If you're inconsistent with certain precautions, it could lead to premature furnace repairs. To avoid this and keep it running smoothly during the colder months, make sure to do the following. 

What Are the Basic Furnace Safety Maintenance Tasks?

1. Clear the Dust

It's a fire hazard when there's too much dust on the vents, registers, and the furnace itself. To prevent lint or any other debris from catching fire, wipe down or vacuum the surface whenever the dust starts to accumulate. Using the nozzle and brush attachments on the vacuum will make clearing it away much faster. 

2. Change the Air Filter

In addition to dust, the air filter captures lint, pollen, pet dander, and any other particles floating in the air. Once it fills up, it can't capture any extra allergens and will compromise the air quality. Furthermore, it forces the furnace to work even harder to push any air out through it. 

Over time, this strains the system, and you'll likely need furnace repairs. Changing it depends on the household; some benefit from a new one every month, while others only need a new one every season. 

3. Schedule Annual Inspections & Tuneups

Before winter starts, you should have a technician inspect your furnace annually to ensure everything is working as it should. They'll catch any potential problems while they're still in their infancy. Like it is with all appliances, minor furnace repairs are much more manageable than significant ones. If necessary, they'll also lubricate any gears, adjust the tension on various belts, and clean what you cannot or should not try on your own, like the burner.