QUESTION: I want to keep my utility bills as low as possible. With the heating season soon upon us, is there much I can do myself to keep my system running at its maximum efficiency and heat output? ANSWER: Heating and cooling a home contribute the most to high utility bills for most families. Water heating usually is the second largest energy consumer. Since central air-conditioning or a heat pump uses the same air handler (blower and ducts) as a furnace, maintaining a furnace for winter often also reduces cooling costs during summer.Unless your furnace is actually malfunctioning in a significant way or making noise, you generally cannot tell if it is operating at peak efficiency or not. If you try to compare your current utility bills to previous years, make sure to compare the energy used, not just the dollar amounts of the bills. Energy rates are constantly rising, so your current bills may be higher, even if you are actually are using less energy.A simple, annual do-it-yourself tune-up can help to keep your heating system running near its peak efficiency. Keep in mind though, if your furnace or heat pump is old, its peak efficiency may still be significantly lower than a new, state-of-the-art model.Also, don't skip your regular scheduled professional maintenance calls just because you have done your own tune-up. There are many areas within a heating system that only a qualified technician can evaluate and adjust properly. A rule of thumb is, if you are not absolutely sure what some part or adjustment screw does, don't touch it.The first item to check is for safety. Put several drops of soapy water on any gas line fittings. If any bubbles at all, there are leaks. Leave your house and call your gas company immediately to have it repaired.Check the accuracy of the wall thermostat. Many older ones are inaccurate and you may actually be keeping your house warmer than you realize. Tape an outdoor bulb thermometer on the wall next to it. Set the thermostat at a temperature, let the furnace start and notice the final temperature. If the thermostat is inaccurate, replace it with an electronic setback model.Switch off the electric power to the heating unit at the circuit breaker panel. Remove its side cover to gain access to the blower. Using a vacuum cleaner brush attachment, clean any dust deposits off the blower.If you see bearing oil cups on the blower motor, put a drop of oil in each cup. Replace the cover and make sure all the external cabinet screws are tight.Set up the thermostat so the furnace starts. Hold a stick of lighted incense near all the joints in the ductwork, both return and supply air ducts, to check for air leaks. If you find leaks, use either aluminum duct tape or black Gorilla duct tape around the leaking joints.This is a good time change your furnace filter or clean a central air cleaner element.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.