Getting your furnace in shape for tough winter

How to Cut Your Utility Bills

Q: I have my old gas furnace serviced every two years. With gas prices so high now, I want to do some simple maintenance myself to reduce my heating bills. What can I do without harming the furnace?

A: Gas and propane prices will be at record highs this year, so even small improvements can save quite a lot. Since the furnace blower and ducts are used by your central air conditioner, you also will reduce your cooling bills.

Even if you do your own periodic tune-ups, they should not preclude regular service by a technician. You won’t have the testing equipment or the know-how to do it all yourself. Although furnaces are safe, they burn a flammable fuel which can be hazardous if something malfunctions. There is more you can do yourself to maintain an older gas furnace with open burners than on a new...