It soon will be time to literally dust off the furnace to get ready for winter. A few easy steps will make for a safe, comfortable and more energy-efficient home heating season. One of the first is relighting the furnace pilot.

The pilot may go out because of a sudden gust of wind or because the gas was temporarily shut off. A thermocouple near the pilot flame senses when the pilot is off and shuts off the gas supply before an explosive condition develops. The pilot usually can be easily relit.

Although most modern gas furnaces have an electronic ignition, older models depend on a gas pilot light for firing. When the furnace burners fail to fire it usually is because the pilot light has gone out or is in need of adjustment.

Not all pilot lights are the same. Procedures for relighting a pilot differ somewhat. Therefore, it is best to follow the steps listed on the instruction plate which is usually attached to the furnace cover or pilot assembly.

Most gas furnaces have a control valve, referred to as a "gas cock." The cock has three settings off, pilot and on. To relight the pilot, turn the cock to "off," wait a few minutes to allow any residual gas to clear, then switch to the "pilot" position. Next, hold a match to the pilot, depress the cock or a reset button and hold it down for the amount of time specified on the instruction panel. If the pilot stays lit, turn the cock to "on" and the burners will fire. If the pilot goes out again after the reset button is released, the entire process should be repeated, holding the reset down a bit longer. If the smell of gas persists at any time, turn the gas supply off and call a serviceman.

When operating properly, the pilot should consist of a steady blue flame with a brilliant yellow tip. Condensation-induced rust can build up around the pilot and disrupt the quality of the flame. A cleaning with a small wire brush and vacuum is probably all that is needed.

Once the pilot has been lit for a few minutes, turn up the thermostat to cause the burners to fire. As with the pilot, the burners should have a bright blue flame with some yellow at the tip. Anything else could mean that the burners are dirty or in need of adjustment. Rust and dirt buildup should be removed with a wire brush and vacuum. If cleaning and adjustment don't produce the desired flame, it is best to call a serviceman.

Lighting the pilot and adjusting the burners are only a couple of several steps that should be taken to tune up the furnace for the home heating season. Dirty furnace filters should be cleaned or replaced. One effective method for cleaning reusable filters is to use a solution consisting of laundry detergent, household ammonia and hot water. Very dirty filters can be soaked in the bathtub and rinsed with fresh water. Allow the filter to dry thoroughly before reinstalling it.

When replacing a disposable filter it is important to get an exact match. Since there are hundreds of sizes and configurations, it is best to bring the old filter with you to the hardware store or home center.

Most disposable filters have an arrow on the side of the frame which indicates the direction of the air flow. For best results, be sure that the arrow is installed in the proper direction.

Changing the filter provides an opportunity to clean the blower compartment. This area is prone to fill with dust and lint, a condition that can cause problems for allergy sufferers. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment will do the job.

This also is an excellent time to inspect the blower motor and belt. A screeching noise that occurs whenever the furnace kicks on is a sure sign that the belt needs attention. The belt should be firm, and securely in position. Belt tension can be adjusted using a wrench and screwdriver. Worn or frayed belts should be replaced.

A touch of lubrication will usually quiet a noisy motor. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

People with time limitations or who don't feel comfortable performing these tasks should invest in an annual service contract with a local heating professional. The contract should include at least two visits per year, one at the beginning of the heating season and the second at the end. If air conditioning is a component of the system, quarterly visits are in order.