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With winter fully settled in across the country, one of the last things any homeowner wants to experience is a poorly functioning — or dying — heater. As the appliance experts at Krogen’s Do It Best in Boscobel, WI, explain, a few simple DIY maintenance tasks will help you stay warm all winter and avoid the need for expensive furnace repairs.

First, start by turning off the electrical power to your burner. Then, take off the combustion chamber door and burner cover and turn the power back on so you can inspect the flames in your burner. Your heater should have even, blue flames. While yellow flames might look more natural, they actually indicate a dirty burner that likely should be adjusted by a professional.

appliancesAssuming your burner flames look normal, you can then turn off the power to your heater and get to work on some maintenance. Start by vacuuming out the base of the furnace, the burners, and the blower compartment to remove dust and soot. Next, carefully remove the blower and use a vacuum and small brush to clean the blades. Appliance experts note, however, that you should be extremely careful while cleaning the blades, as a less than thorough cleaning could unbalance the blower. You can also clean the pilot by blowing air through a straw.

As part of your heater maintenance, remember to change the filter on your furnace every three months. Fiberglass filters are inexpensive and provide adequate protection for the blower area. You may also need to occasionally replace the furnace’s drive belt. Like the filter, these belts are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced quickly and easily. Make sure the new belt’s tension deflects between 1/2 and 3/4 inches for continued reliable performance.

With a wide selection of top-of-the-line appliances, power tools, and electronics, Krogen’s Do It Best has everything you need to keep your home in great shape. To learn more about their extensive inventory, visit them online or call (608) 375-4656. You can also find the team on Facebook and Twitter.

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