SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A furnace is there for you during those cold winter nights so an annual inspection is a great way to say thanks.

"It's kind of like taking a trip in your car. It's best to have it tuned up and serviced and maintained before you start your trip then waiting until you get back,” said Marty Wade, Service Technician- Home Comfort Experts.

Safety is the number one reason to get your furnace serviced.

"Anything that burns fuel like this, a heater or a water heater, gas stove in the kitchen, always runs the potential of producing carbon monoxide as well as other toxic gases,” said Wade.

To ensure those toxic gases vent properly, keep the furnace, air filters and ductwork clean.

It will also run better if it's working properly, which will save you money.

"It's all about being clean and anytime the furnace has to work harder than what it’s designed to you're going to use more energy, it's going to run longer, it may cycle more. All those things can add to your fuel bill,” said Wade.

And don't touch that dial. Drastic changes in a thermostat makes it harder on the furnace.

"If you don't have programmable thermostat-for each degree that you turn down the furnace, you'll save about 4 percent on your energy bill,” said Sarah Sovinski, Home Comfort Experts Marketing Department.

If you follow these tips, prepare to pay less to stay warm this winter.

"Having your furnace serviced is like an insurance policy. You're making sure that you're not going to be stuck in that situation in February when its 20 below zero and your furnace stops working,” said Sovinski.