Get your furnace ready for the cold with this simple guide.

With the cold outside temperatures, being able to turn on your heater is the best way to stay warm. If you haven’t already taken the necessary steps to ensure your furnace is working its best, there is no better time than right now. Keep this home furnace maintenance guide in mind to get you ready for the cold season.

Hiring a professional is your best bet when it comes to getting your furnace ready. They will not only make sure that you are able to stay warm throughout the whole season, but a professional tune up will also help you save money on all of your heating costs. During a tune-up, a technician will:

• Check the thermostat to ensure it is working and calibrated properly.
• Clean or change the air filter.
• Inspect all of the controls and electrical components.
• Oil the motor, if necessary.
• Check for any cracks in the heat exchanger, which could let carbon monoxide into your house.
• Check the air flow.
• Check the fuel/air mixture.
• Ensure that the chimneys and flues are connected properly, are not blocked, and are in good condition.

There are also certain steps that you can take to help keep your furnace working its best, including:

• Regularly change the air filters.
• Ensure that your thermostat is set to the heating mode.
• Check all your vents and registers to ensure they are open and are not obstructed.

While checking your furnace, it is the perfect time to look over your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that you have enough coverage for any disaster that may occur this season. Contact the insurance professionals at Martplan Insurance Agency in La Habra, California for all of your home insurance needs.