With cold weather rapidly approaching, it's a good idea to inspect your home's heating system to make sure that it's safe and in peak operating condition. Start by changing the filters. Dirty filters not only make the furnace work harder, but can be a fire hazard, as well. Next, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the fan compartment and the burner chamber. If you have a forced air system, check the fan belt tension. It should give about half an inch. Finally, take a look at the burners to make sure that they are operating efficiently. Black smudges around the inspection door to the burner compartment are a telltale sign that an adjustment is needed. If this process sounds a bit complicated to you, many local utility companies will perform this service for you at no charge. And that's the On The House tip for today.