Have your boiler or furnace - and your hot-water tank - serviced before you turn on the heat for the season ($100 to $200 per burner). Neglect this task and debris can clog your exhaust flue, and your equipment won't operate efficiently.
If you burn oil, your oil company will provide the service. For gas burners, contact a local heating contractor.
Frequency: Once a year.
Last updated December 20 2007: 9:44 AM ET