The weather is getting colder and even the toughest of us will be turning the heat on soon. To make sure that everything in your home heating system is running as well as it should, put these heating hacks into play before winter arrives:

Have your fireplace and furnace inspected

Annual furnace and fireplace inspections allow you to ensure that everything is in good shape and working as it should. A fireplace inspection will involve checking for structural integrity and assuring that soot and creosote can't cause dangerous chimney fires. A furnace inspection gives information for safe operation and identifies fixable issues that can save you money all winter long. If necessary, we can provide chimney repair to keep your fireplace working the way it should.

Keep heat from escaping through doors and windows

The last thing your heater should be doing is battling drafts from doors and windows. Run a wet hand along the edges of windows and doors. If you can feel cold, that means that drafts are sucking out your heat. 

Not everyone is in a position to install more insulated windows or doors. However, you can increase the efficiency of what you have. Add weather stripping to cut drafts below doors. Caulk can seal small cracks around windows. Adding heavy drapes can also make a dramatic difference. The right drapery can cut heating loss by around 25%.

Stay safe from carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Without the right tools, you have no way of knowing if you are exposed to it. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can mimic seasonal colds or flu and are often ignored. 

Faulty furnaces and fireplaces can lead to dangerous CO leaks in your home. According to the CDC, about 400 people die from accidental CO poisoning every year. Annual inspections of fireplaces and heating systems can reveal any flaws that could lead to a build-up of CO in your home. Experts also recommend that you install carbon monoxide detectors in the house to alert occupants of the presence of the gas if something goes wrong. CO detectors should be placed five feet above the ground on every floor of your home. Place them where they will be heard from sleeping areas if they go off.

Putting these hacks into place before your furnace is getting heavy use can save you money, help you avoid costly repairs later on and provide peace of mind. Set aside some time to attend to these early in the season to reap the benefits all winter long.