It's a basic truism that a moving part requires regular maintenance to keep it running in peak condition. So when you think of your furnace, with multiple moving parts working in tandem with other components, preventive maintenance should be at the top of your winter to-do list.

The experts at Tri-County Heating & Cooling are ready to help by offering maintenance plans for your furnace to keep it running efficiently throughout another cold Cincinnati winter.

Even if your furnace is not making high-pitched squealing or low-pitched rumbling noises—almost always a sign of trouble—don't ignore it. The benefits of preventive maintenance are just too compelling, which includes energy savings and better indoor air quality.

When a skilled Tri-County technician visits your Cincinnati home, you can expect a comprehensive inspection, which includes:

• Testing the system controls to ensure that the furnace starts, runs and shuts off properly.
• Checking the thermostat settings.
• Removing and inspecting the air filter and replacing it, if necessary.
• Setting the service burners for proper combustion and ignition.
• Tightening the electrical connections—faulty connections can reduce the life span of major components—and measuring the voltage.
• Lubricating all moving parts.
• Inspecting the condensate drain to ensure that it is not plugged.
• Testing the condition and tension of the fan belt.
• Checking the chimney and flu.
• Conducting a carbon-monoxide safety test.

Ensuring that your furnace system receives regular care offers several benefits. You will know that your furnace is operating at peak condition. You won't have to give a thought to carbon-monoxide leaks, the development of hazardous conditions or an unexpected furnace breakdown. The air quality in your home should also improve, because your technician will have removed dust, soot, allergens and mold from the system.

Proactive furnace maintenance also will keep your energy bills in check, since a clean, well-functioning system conserves less energy. To schedule your winter furnace maintenance check, or to ask about our maintenance plans, call Tri-County Heating & Cooling today.

Prevention sign via Shutterstock.