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2torial #0562:
Learn2 Weatherize Your Home
 Fine-tune your furnace and
air-conditioning system
Many people treat their furnaces and air
conditioners like workhorses, neglecting them until
they stop working altogether. Such treatment may be
OK for plumbing and electrical systems, but heating
and cooling systems need routine maintenance, just
like a car.
At the very least, you need to replace the air
filters in your air conditioners and furnace at the
beginning of each season. Otherwise, warm or cool
air will never make it past clogged filters. If you
live in an extremely cold climate, you should also
hire a professional to give your furnace an annual
tune-up (in milder climates, biannual tune-ups may
suffice). Air conditioners should get a tune-up
every three years. The cost of the tune-up should
easily pay for itself in the form of increased
energy efficiency.
And don't stop at the furnace or air conditioner
itself. Your system also includes the ducts and
vents that actually deliver warm or cool air where you want
it. Beginning with your furnace or central air
conditioner, trace the vents that lead to the
various parts of your house (ducts usually hug the
basement ceiling). Without actually touching the
vents--which can be quite hot--feel for air leaks
(see Step 3
to find out how to seal them).
Next, identify all the heating and cooling vents
in your house and make sure none are blocked by
carpets, furniture or excessive dust. You might be
spending big bucks heating or cooling the back of
your Lazy Boy.
 Step
3
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