Annual inspections keep your furnace running at its best and guard against carbon monoxide.

Here’s what the heating contractor should do during an inspection, according to gas distributor Dominion East Ohio:

¢ Lubricate the blower bearings and blower motor as recommended by the manufacturer.

¢ Inspect all vents, the heat exchanger and the filters.

¢ Check the pilot light, if the furnace has one. Most new furnaces have pilot-less ignition.

¢ Clear the furnace area of dust or combustible materials.

¢ Clean dust from the blower compartment.

¢ Test the thermostat to be sure the heating system works as it should.

¢ Check the safety components on the heating equipment, such as limit controls and pilot safety.

¢ Check the flue to make sure it’s clean and open.