In the US, heating sources are one of the leading causes of residential fires, and with colder weather on the way, many residents will be turning on heating systems that have not been used since Spring.

Most fires involving furnaces take place at night when people are asleep. As such the most important step in home heating safety is to make sure your smoke alarms are in working condition. Wisconsin state law requires a smoke alarm on each floor level, and one should also be installed in the area adjacent to your furnace.

The next most important step in home heating safety is to make sure that your furnace is operating properly and safely, and furnace flues, pipes, and chimneys should be inspected as well. Contact a heating contractor if you have questions or problems regarding the heating unit in your home. In homes with gas furnaces, carbon monoxide detectors are strongly recommended.

Finally, filters should be changed at the beginning of the heating season and then checked monthly to make sure there is adequate air flow.

Consider these free or low-cost tips to reduce your heating bills:

1. Learn to love socks.  If your feet are cold, your whole body will feel cold, so wear socks.  Bundle up in a sweater or a blanket rather than cranking up the heat.
2. Tap heat that’s there anyway.  Activities around the house like cooking or taking a shower can generate warmth.  When you shower, keep the bathroom door open so steam spreads to other rooms.
3. Lower your thermostat.  You won’t notice a huge difference if you turn it down a few degrees, a move that can shave 5-10% off your heating bill. 
4. Watch the water heater.  It also won’t be noticeable if you turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees from 140 degrees.
5. Consider a programmable thermostat.  This will allow you to adjust the heat on a predetermined schedule, so you can lower the heat when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping.
6. Don’t let heat escape unnecessarily.  Keep your doors and windows shut when the heat is on.  Close the flue and glass doors to your fireplace.  Turn kitchen ventilation fans off when they’re not needed.
7. Call for a checkup.  Electric and oil heaters should get professional attention at least once a year and gas heaters every other year.  Remember to check the filters in your heating system and make sure they’re clean and clear.
8. Keep windows covered when it’s dark outside. This will help you reduce heat loss and keep cold air at bay.  Be sure to let in the light during the daytime.
9. Explore outside.  Check the exterior of your heating unit.  Avoid stacking anything against the heat pump or draping anything over it. Hose the outside unit down to clear it of dirt, leaves and grass clippings.  If your indoor unit appears to have excess water around it, see whether the condensate drain and pan are blocked.
10. Light a candle.  Not for warmth, but to check for air leaks.  Hold the flame near windows, doors and light fixtures and look for smoke moving in a horizontal direction.  If you see it, that means you’ve spotted an air leak, and it likely means heat is escaping your home easily.  Install some low-cost caulking or weather-stripping.

Information from the City of Madison and msnbc.com.