When you live in a cold climate, you most likely rely on your home's heating system to keep your house comfortable and warm for several months out of the year. One of the keys to ensuring that you don't run into any problems when the temperatures are freezing is proper maintenance. Taking the time to maintain your heating system is a great way to prevent problems and avoid coming home to a heater that is not working on a frigid day. Use the following tips to maintain your heater so it can efficiently heat your home all winter long:

Have Your Heating System Tuned Up By a Professional

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your heating system is to have it tuned up each year by someone who specializes in heating system maintenance services. The best time to have your heater tuned up is during the fall months before the weather turns really cold. During a heating system tune up, an HVAC technician will inspect your heater, lubricate the parts, and identify any potential problems. In the event that any issues are detected during your tune up, you will have time to arrange repairs before you need to begin using your heater on a daily basis.

Schedule a Duct Inspection

In order for your heater to be able to efficiently warn your home, the ducts must be tightly sealed. If you have any small holes or cracks in the duct system, hot air will seep out, and your heater will need to work much harder to keep your home at your desired temperature. When you contact an HVAC company to schedule a tune up for your heater, it is also a good idea to have your ducts inspected at the same time.

Keep Your Heater Clean

A heating system works best when it is completely clean. Over the course of a couple of months, it is not uncommon for dust and debris to gather around the heater. Take the time to visually inspect your heater and clean it if you notice a build up of dust and debris. An easy way to clean a dirty heater is by using a hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner. 

Change the Air Filters

In addition to keeping your heater clean, it is also very important to insure that your air filter is clean as well. A clogged air filter makes it difficult for a heater to operate efficiently, so running your heater with a dirty air filter can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the system. Check your air filter regularly, and change it as needed.