Maintenance Scheduling
Schedule a maintenance service call before the heating/cooling season starts. If there are any problems with your system, it’s better to find out before it’s freezing outside! Do the same for your cooling system before sweltering season begins.

Filters
Replace your heating and cooling air filters every month that they’re in use. Operating your system with old, dirty filters means energy is wasted and your system may even be damaged. While you’re at it, check and clean the filters in your home’s air cleaners and humidifiers.

System Checks
If you have a forced air heating system check your furnace’s blower compartment and blower coils. Vacuum them if you see dirt and dust there. You should also check fan belt tension, and lubricate fan and motor bearings.

If you have a steam system, check the shut-off valve for leaks.

Bleed hot water system radiators at least once a year.

Don’t keep clutter near your furnace. It’s a fire hazard, and may keep your system from operating efficiently.

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your heating system, keep the heating registers and vents throughout the house free of dust, dirt, and pet hair by vacuuming them at least once a year.

Listen for odd sounds when your heating or cooling system kicks in. If you hear anything unusual, get in touch with your service professional so you can head off problems before they become serious.

In winter months, set your ceiling fan at its slowest speed and reverse it in order to gently push warm air down from the ceiling without generating a breeze.

Electrical Safety
Electric power gives us light and warmth, but without safety precautions, it can also be dangerous. Follow these simple precautions to help insure you and your family's safety:

• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
  
  
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
  
  
• In homes with small children, electrical outlets should have plastic safety covers.
  
  
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
  
  
• Avoid overloading outlets. Consider plugging only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
  
  
• If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
  
  
• When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
  
  
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.
  
  
• Never touch anything electrical when you have wet hands.
  
  
• Don’t use electrical appliances such as hair dryers or radios in a wet place or near water.
  
  
• If power is lost during a storm, turn off or unplug electrical appliances so that there’s not a power surge when the electricity comes back on.
  
  
• If there’s flooding, watch out for water around electrical items, and never use appliances if they’re wet.
  
  
• Never play with kites or toy planes near overhead power lines.
  
  
• If a toy happens to get caught in a power line, don’t attempt to remove it yourself.
  
  
• Never prune trees yourself that are near power lines.