Help your heating system keep you safe and warm this winter

A properly maintained heating system is likely to work better and last longer. It can also save your life: Malfunctioning systems increase the risk of carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning and cause some 6,000 fires and $47 million in property damage each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The best time to check your system is before you turn it on. Simple steps include changing or cleaning furnace filters and dusting heat registers or baseboard radiators. Older systems might require blower-motor or water-pump lubrication. Replace batteries in digital thermostats and CO alarms and smoke alarms. Then hire a pro for an annual checkup. Here are the most crucial items to inspect:

All fuel-burning systems

Check the vent-connection pipes and chimney for leaky joints, holes, blockages, and other damage that can let CO into your home. Check gas and oil piping for leaks; fuel-oil systems typically require an annual heat-exchanger cleaning and oil-filter and burner nozzle change. Also have the pro check that controls and thermostats are working properly.

Forced-air systems (including heat pumps)

Check the furnace heat exchanger for cracks that can leak CO. Inspect ducts for leaks and reseal connections with mastic. Test airflow after sealing, and check combustion to see that the burner is working properly. Insulate ducts in unheated spaces with at least R-6 duct insulation; sealing and insulating duct systems can cut heating costs by 40 percent. For heat pumps, check for refrigerant leaks and see that the charge is correct. Also have the pro clean condenser coils and check the secondary heating elements, reversing valve, and defrost cycle (see our report on furnace repair history).

Hot-water systems

Check the pressure-relief valve and high-limit control; problems can cause pressure to rise high enough to damage the system. Check cold and hot system pressure to be sure that the fill valve, automatic air vents, and expansion tank are working properly. Also have the pro check boiler water pumps for leaks.

Steam systems

Check steam vents and traps, which allow steam to travel quickly to the radiators without escaping. Skim water from the boiler's water line to remove floating debris and maintain steaming efficiency. Test the low-water cutoff safety control and high-limit safety control. Also have the pro drain the float chamber of the mechanical low-water cutoffs and fill valve to remove sediment that can cause a problem.