There's a chill in the air and the days are getting shorter. These are just some of the telltale signs that winter is just around the corner. So, before you turn on your heating system for the first time, make sure it can handle everything that winter has in store.

Get your furnace serviced and ready to go.

Getting a furnace maintenance check by your local Lennox Dealer is a smart way to ensure your home stays comfortable and energy efficient all winter long. Your Lennox Dealer will carefully inspect the furnace to make sure it's running at optimum efficiency. And, if they see any potential problems, these issues can be addressed before they become a major inconvenience to you and your family.

Here are some of the things your Lennox dealer will do as part of the preventive maintenance visit:

• Inspect the burner flames
• Vacuum out the burner & blower cavities and clean away dust or debris in & around the unit
• Remove the blower to clean it
• Vacuum and brush the blower blades
• Clean the flame sensor
• Check the flue for gaps or dents and make sure it is venting properly to the outdoors

Contact your local Lennox Dealer and schedule your HVAC preventive maintenance check, today.

Things you can do to keep your furnace working efficiently

As well as having an annual furnace maintenance check, there is some regular maintenance that you can do yourself to ensure your furnace stays in good working order.

Replace air filters

This is probably the most important do-it-yourself item that will keep your furnace operating efficiently and ensure the air circulating through your home is clean. Plus, a dirty filter allows for dirt buildup in the furnace, which can seriously hamper how the whole system works.

Remove items from around the furnace and heating vents

Make sure you remove items from around the furnace area. Also, ensure all the vents in your home are clear of debris, such as piles of laundry, furniture, etc. This is especially important for the air intakes and returns throughout your home.

Check the thermostat

The thermostat is the brain behind your furnace system. It tells the system to turn on and then turn off. So, a lot of perceived problems with your furnace can actually be tracked back to thermostat problems. And, since some thermostats run on battery power, make sure you change the batteries in your wall-mounted thermostat before winter starts.

Furnace replacement or repair? That's the burning question!

It's not easy to know whether you should repair or replace your home's heating system, especially if you're facing an emergency situation. While there's no hard-and-fast rule, there are some important considerations to keep in mind as you make your decision.

Age of your system

The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is near that age, expect to experience more repairs in the near future, which may not be covered by the original warranty or service agreement.

Outdated technology

Technology changes all the time. This is as true for your heating system as it is for your phone. By replacing aging equipment, you'll be able to take advantage of smart new features and increased efficiencies that can save you money on your utility bills.

Cost of repairs

As a good rule of thumb, Consumer Reports recommends replacing a product when repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a new one.* Your Lennox Dealer is a great resource for current promotions that could significantly reduce the cost of a new system.

Environmental impact

If you're concerned with your energy footprint, you may be surprised to know that your heating and cooling system accounts for about 50 percent of your home's energy use.** Upgrading to new ENERGY STAR^® certified equipment ensures your units meet or exceed federal standards for energy efficiency.

How well your system is performing

Do you feel like you have to constantly adjust your thermostat to stay comfortable? Does your furnace make noises when it starts up? Does your air feel stuffy or damp? If any of these issues are getting in the way of your home comfort, it may be time to get a new system installed.

Whether you're looking for a new furnace, or are in the market for a whole heating system, Lennox can help you find the right solution for your home comfort needs.

*Source: Consumer Reports, January 2014.

**U.S. Department of Energy Statistics