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Have a Safe and Warm Winter Here are some things you can do to ensure a warm and safe winter. Before temperatures plummet, have your furnace checked by a qualified professional. You can clean and replace furnace filters yourself--experts recommend that you do this every six to eight weeks. Lubricate and clean the blower and motor as recommended by the manufacturer. Look for cracked or frayed belts and replace them as needed. Inspect the duct work and tape any gaps. Remove your thermostat cover and blow away any accumulated dust. With a little preventive maintenance, you'll save wear and tear on your furnace and help reduce heating costs.
To keep your water heater working well, drain a bucket of water from the faucet at the bottom. This gets rid of sediment which insulates the water in the tank from the burner, and it prolongs the life of the unit.
To check the weather-stripping and seals around windows and doors, hold a lit candle near the seal--if the candle flickers chances are you need to replace your weather-stripping.
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