A bit of homeowner attention will help your gas furnace run better and last longer. It’s so much cheaper than buying a new furnace. Keeping it clean and maintained can keep it working for several more years.

Some tips:

• Change filters whenever they get dirty. A clogged filter makes a furnace work harder and shortens its life expectancy. You’re saving pennies and costing dollars if you skimp on filters.

• Use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust, dirt and lint in and around the furnace. A clean furnace runs better. It also is less of a fire hazard; debris buildup can spark a fire.

• Make sure no items are near the furnace. It’s a safety issue, but it’s also an operational issue. A furnace needs air flow to work properly.

• Invest in an annual inspection by a trained technician who can get the furnace ready for winter and nip any problems left over from last winter.

His fee for preventive maintenance will be a pittance compared to the cost of a new furnace – $3,000 to $7,000, although some models fetch up to $12,000.

If you buy…

The best times to shop for a furnace are spring and fall, the so-called “shoulder seasons” for heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors.

You may get better prices on the furnace and on labor costs for installation. Spring is especially good because manufacturers may be selling a backlog of unsold furnaces left over from the winter.

More advantages of buying in the spring or fall:

• You’re less stressed. It’s not like you need a furnace immediately in April or September.

• You can take time to examine various models and quiz contractors to see which one is the best to hire.

• It’s easier to schedule installation on your timetable.

For furnace repair and installation in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Long Island, call Premier HVAC. We guarantee our work.