Most of the country is moving into the cold months of winter, so it's logical to consider the state of your furnace as the temperatures start to drop. If your furnace is old enough, you may encounter a variety of problems that can inhibit your furnace's efficiency, or even cause it to stop working completely.

But that doesn't have to be the case. In fact, there are a number of different maintenance steps that can not only prolong the life of your unit but can also prevent minor issues are becoming major repairs down the road. Follow the steps below for proper heating system maintenance, and you'll be well on your way to ensuring you have a warm and cozy winter.

Change Your Air Filters

Regardless of whether or not you're trying to maintain your AC unit or your furnace, air filters are a vital part of ensuring that your home's HVAC system stays operational. Both of these systems are responsible for regulating the airflow throughout your home, and your air filter is the main exit point between those units and your home. If it's clogged, your furnace will work harder and less efficiently, causing your energy bills to skyrocket and your home's temperature to be unregulated. It's one of the easiest steps that you can take in your home's heating system maintenance plan, so make sure that you change your filters every 3 to 6 months.

Schedule an Energy Audit

All homes have room to improve when it comes to their energy consumption, and if you want to know the areas that you can make the most difference, schedule a home energy audit on your system. They'll inspect your house for possible leaks, as well as check your system to make sure that is running as efficiently as possible. They'll also inspect your ductwork, so any allergy or breathing issues that you may have can be remedied as quickly as possible. The contractor will also give you ways that you can improve what's already working, such as better thermostats or a more efficient system.

Clean Your Ductwork

Most homeowners don't realize how dirty their air ducts are. Over the years, grime, dust, and bacteria can build up on the walls of your ductwork, restricting airflow and causing breathing issues. While this isn't necessarily a job for the average homeowner, it is a relatively simple task that can be performed with almost any heating system maintenance plan that you schedule. Make sure that your HVAC technician looks for mold as well, since this can often be hard to detect but can spread rapidly throughout your home.

For more information, contact a company like Phil's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.