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When the weather turns cold isn’t the time to get a furnace cleaned and serviced. Unfortunately, sometimes homeowners forget this essential maintenance until Old Man Winter blows into town. Whatever the time, a homeowner can get good service by following furnace repair recommendations from consumer groups.

Organizations that watch out for consumers’ best interests suggest several methods for selecting a reliable furnace repair service and avoiding scam artists.

Refuse phone solicitations that offer “free” or “low cost” furnace repair or maintenance. These scam artists often try to bilk homeowners by telling them their heating system has serious problems when it doesn’t. In addition, sometimes these “free” services are fronts for burglary rings that later come back and strip the home of valuables. Don’t fall for this scam.

Refuse to hire anyone who rings your doorbell offering to clean the air ducts with a “shop-vac.” It takes a high-volume or steam-clean vacuum system to clean heating ducts properly

Another key piece of advice: Don’t panic if an inspector for a furnace repair company you’ve called says you have to replace your heater immediately, or else. Unless you’ve dealt with this firm before and trust them implicitly, this kind of doom-saying inspection is almost always the lead-in to a scam. Yes, they may replace your furnace and do a good job (for a lot of money), but the question still remains whether you needed the replacement to begin with. Whenever anybody gives you this kind of warning, request a written report and then go talk to your local utility company.

When told that your furnace needs major repairs, get a minimum of three independent written inspection reports from qualified, licensed companies. Check each report to make sure it includes complete descriptions of the parts or materials needed, the services involved, warranty, the unit’s energy efficiency ranking, and the total price. If the estimate doesn’t have this information, ask for it.

Homeowners also can reduce the likelihood of needing emergency repairs by keeping up furnace maintenance themselves. Change the filters each month, and regularly vacuum the dust and dirt from air returns.

If it turns out that the furnace really does need repair or replacement, check the original warranty to determine whether repairs are covered. Some warranties require that the furnace receive annual maintenance in order to keep the warranty valid. If you must buy a new furnace, don’t choose a unit that’s too big for your household needs. You’ll only waste money.

To keep the furnace in good working order, as well as keeping the warranty in force, get the unit cleaned and tested on a yearly basis. Gas heating systems should be cleaned at least every other year, while units that run on fuel oil must be cleaned annually.

If you don’t have an annual service contract with a reputable home maintenance and repair company, ask for recommendations from neighbors, family members or co-workers. Then check out their recommendations with local authorities such as the Better Business Bureau or even the public records of small claims court. One woman who served as a bailiff in local courts once hired a heating repair service because, as she told them later, “you’re the only company who’s never been through our court.”

When interviewing candidates for heating service, always ask detailed questions. A good method is to write down the type of furnace you have and then ask for an estimate on service for that model, including all related charges. A reliable company should give you a response promptly and without hesitation. If the company representative takes a long time to answer your question, it could be an indication of poor performance, questionable practices or both.

A warm and cozy home in wintertime should result from following these furnace repair recommendations.

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