As temperatures dip, the demand you put on your furnace increases. Don't get left out in the cold—it's important to make sure your home's heating system is ready to kick into high gear. However, before you hire someone to do the work, consider the warnings issued by the Better Business Bureau. The organization says reports of costly fake furnace fixes are on the rise.
Beware of Repairmen Who Sell Pricey Upkeep
The Better Business Bureau says this time of year fraudulent contractors often make the rounds, soliciting door-to-door in an 
attempt to scare consumers into spending money they don't have to. The contractors convince homeowners that they must replace their heating systems because the current system is leaking dangerous gases that could explode or poison residents.
“At this time of year we see an increase in complaints about heating contractors offering everything from duct cleaning to furnace inspections,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO in a news release. “While most furnace companies are reputable, competent, and fair, there are fraudulent and unethical companies that may try to frighten consumers into unnecessary installations or repairs, using fear as their main tactic.”
Last year the Better Business Bureau received 61 complaints, and this year they've received 71 so far.
Cover the Basics
If you have gas appliances, including your furnace, experts say the most important thing you can do to prepare for winter is to invest in a carbon monoxide sensor and keep it close to where you sleep.
"When everything is right your furnace will burn gas very cleanly like when you have your gas stove on and the flame is nice and blue," explains Dustin of Golden Valley Heating and Air, a company that has been servicing the Twin Cities since 1938. "When things go wrong then the furnace can produce CO, carbon monoxide, this can become lethal if the heat exchanger, the heart of your furnace, has a cracked heat exchanger or holes in it and the flue gases begin to leak into the home."
Invest in an Annual Tune Up
Think of your furnace as a set of tires, the roof on your home or your tennis shoes. They all wear out over time and either need repairs or need to be replaced. Your furnace may be easier to ignore until something goes terribly wrong, but scheduling an annual tune up is a great way protect yourself.
"They will check the integrity of the exchanger and give you an all safe passing grade," explains Dustin. Worst case scenario is that the repair team will deem your heat exchanger unsafe and your furnace will be red-tagged. "[That is] when the exchanger is no longer sound and is leaking," says Dustin. "The technician will be forced to shut the furnace off regardless of the weather conditions, so that is why it is a very good idea to have your system checked in the fall when the weather is mild."
That way what could be a crisis in the winter is an inconvenience that can be remedied before the first significant cold snap.
What to Expect With an Annual Inspection
According to the pros, a thorough annual check-up will take an hour or less. It should only cost between $75-$100. "There are lesser priced inspections but to really do the total job you should expect to have some cost in this area and at least this much time to do the job," says Dustin.
How to Hire a Professional
According to the Better Business Bureau there are a few key characteristics you'll want to look for when hiring a company or individual to service your furnace. Make sure they are bonded and insured for liability and property damage. You'll also want to make sure that they offer warranties that cover the equipment they sell, materials they use or even the labor they perform. It's important to find out if they'll continue to offer you service after installation or beyond warranty expiration dates. Get valuable clues by asking for customer references. Spend a little time on research and hopefully you won't be spending as much money on your furnace.
