IMPORTANT: You should always have a licensed heating contractor inspect your home's heating system annually. A thorough checkup ensures that your furnace is operating at peak efficiency and most importantly that it is running safely.

With summer still fresh in our minds, checking your home's heating system seems like a distant concern.

The fact is though that fall is the perfect time to ready your furnace for the coming winter. Since this is the slow season for heating contractors, it's a great time to get your heating system checked before the winter rush. Testing your heating system before that first cold snap gives you the advantage of knowing beforehand of any problems. This allows you time to weigh your options and shop around for the best, most cost-effective solution to your situation.

Realize a problem after the cold weather has settled in and you might find yourself waiting in line for a now busy heating contractor, in addition to having to make a quick decision that might cost you more money than if you took care of it earlier.

It is recommended that a licensed heating contractor do an annual safety inspection of your heating system, but there are also things you can do to help ensure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and safe this winter.

Carbon monoxide detector

The most important thing you can do before ever turning on your furnace is to test your carbon monoxide detector to see that it is working properly. Replace the battery in the detector at this time, too. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure to install one in your home before running your furnace. Fuel burned by the furnace can produce the poisonous gas carbon monoxide. In a properly operating furnace this gas is safely expelled through an exhaust system. A defect in the furnace or venting can result in a dangerous situation of carbon monoxide escaping into the home where the odorless gas goes undetected, and can cause sickness and even death. Never run your furnace without a properly working carbon monoxide detector.

Keep heating system clear

Check the furnace area for any combustibles stored nearby. Move these far away from the furnace area - preferably out of the furnace room. Also clear anything lying against or near the furnace that might restrict airflow. Check all supply and return air vents for blockage. Clothing, lint and furniture are some of the most common obstructions.

You should also check the chimney and appliance vent systems to make sure vent connections are secure and that there is no obvious corrosion, damage or blockage of the vent, chimney or combustion air supply.

Look for soot

Continuing the visual inspection, check for black soot on and around the furnace. Black soot is a sign of improper combustion caused by a defect in the furnace or vent system. If you find black soot, it is very important to keep the furnace off until a licensed heating contractor can inspect the unit and fix any problems.

Change air filters

Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced and electrostatic filters should be washed at least every three months. Clogged air filters can significantly restrict airflow and hurt the performance of your heating system.

Look for ductwork leaks

Now it's time to look for leaks in the ductwork. The furnace will need to be running for this part of your inspection. Duct leaks are holes in the duct where air is escaping (supply side) or being sucked in (return side). Either way, these unintended holes can significantly compromise the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. Supply duct runs can easily be checked by slowly running your hand around the outside of the entire duct run to feel if any air is escaping. Checking the return duct can be done by running a piece of tissue paper along all sides of the length of the duct. If you feel the tissue being sucked into the return duct, you know that you have a leak. Use a ductwork-approved foil tape to seal any leaks. It's also a good idea to seal all duct joints, regardless of whether a leak is detected.

When in doubt, consult a licensed heating professional

If at any time you are unsure about how to do an inspection or maintenance of any part of your heating or cooling systems, do not do try to do it yourself. Seek the help of a licensed heating contractor who can answer your questions, offer advice and give you options.