The Westbrook Fire & Rescue Department suggests that, with the heating season just about here, it is a good time to schedule an annual furnace and space heater checkup with a heating contractor.

Here are some furnace tips:

• Inspection and prevention maintenance are your best insurance against problems down the road.

• Maintenance not only helps prevent fires, but also carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Check the furnace yourself; looking for rusted parts, water stains on the floor or leaks. If you see anything like this call your repairman immediately.

• If you have an old oil tank, have a professional check it for small pinholes that could be potential dangerous.

• Keep the furnace clear of flammables. These could cause a fire.

If you use natural gas, during the winter check your gas regulator to see if you have snow or ice buildup. Ice and snow buildup can cause uncontrolled fuel flow into your home. Make sure the rain gutters don’t drip water directly onto the regulator or gas meter.

Local heating technicians also say that by having the furnace cleaned and maintained, the furnace will run more efficiently. With fuel prices over $2 a gallon this year, it makes even more sense to have the furnace maintained.

In recent years propane gas-fueled space heaters have grown in popularity because they offer high-energy efficiency and fuel savings.

There are two types of propane space heaters: direct-vent or vent-free. Direct-vent heaters require outside air to support combustion and are typically installed on outside walls. Be sure to check the location of the outside vent to make sure it is free of debris such as ice and snow.

Vent-free space heaters rely on inside air to support combustion and vent directly into a room. Newer types of unvented space heaters must have an oxygen-depletion sensor, which will automatically turn off the unit if oxygen levels in the room drop below a specified level. Remember that anything that is manmade can malfunction, it is better to be safe and clear the outside vent.

Propane distributors can send a trained technician to inspect the unit, clean the control compartments and burner and check for proper operation. This maintenance should be done no less than once a year.

All homeowners should have at least one carbon monoxide detector, either near a space heater or in a centrally located part of the home. These carbon monoxide detectors should have their batteries changed twice a year. A good time to do this would be when you change the batteries for your smoke detector.

Homeowners should also become familiar with the rotten egg ordo that has been added to propane gas for easy identification. If you do smell gas, whether the heater is operating or not, follow these steps:

• Do not touch any electric switches, light matches or use the phone.

• Exit the structure immediately.

• If there is an outside tank, turn off the gas supply valve.

• From a neighbor’s phone, call your propane supplier or fire department.

Propane distributors also suggests that homeowners who fuel furnaces and appliances with propane put their propane delivery accounts on automatic, to make sure they will have enough gas no matter how cold the weather or treacherous the road conditions. For more information on how to stay warm safely with propane this winter, call the Railroad Commission’s Alternative Fuels Division at (800) 64-CLEAR.