Is your furnace ready for winter? Fall is here so it is time to think about warming your home versus cooling it. Here are a few steps to set you in the right direction. *Replace the air filter. you might want to upgrade to a more expensive energy efficient filter *Clean your air vents and ducts by using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner *Inspect the exhaust flue outdoors to make sure it is free of tree branches, leaves or bird nests *Keep the area around your furnace unit free of clutter *Open all air vents and make sure there is no furniture, boxes or clutter blocking them *if you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you should consider getting one as the Consumer Energy Center claims you can save 25-75 percent on energy costs by using this type of thermostat. De Hart Plumbing, Heating and Cooling serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas and Wamego Kansas.