It's difficult to think about your heating system and your fuel oil when the temperatures are soaring and summer is in full swing. In the heat of summer, your number one priority is staying cool - and making sure your air conditioning unit does not break down.

Chances are you have not thought much about your furnace these past couple of months, but now that the winter heating season is almost here, it is time to give the system the care it deserves. If you have not already done so, now is the time to give your oil tanks a top-to-bottom inspection. Doing this pre-season inspection now will give you time to make repairs, so you can stay warm and cozy all season long.

You do not have to be an HVAC expert or a heating technician to spot common problems with your heating oil tanks. Some issues will be obvious, while others will be less evident, but if you know what to look for, you can get your heating system in winter shape now - before the snow starts to fall. Here are the steps you should be taking to protect your home and your family before the worst winter sets in.

1. Start with a visual inspection, and look for signs of rust and discoloration. Be sure to check the supports on the tank as well as the tank itself.

2. Find the fill line on the tank and look for signs of leaks. Call an HVAC the if you suspect a leak.

3. Continue to the feed lines on the tank and do the same kind of inspection. Contact an experienced technician if you suspect the feed lines are leaking.

4. Check the vent lines for signs of clogging. Household pests like bees and spiders like to build nests in these lines. If you do not inspect them now, you may not know there is a problem until it's too late.

5. Use your nose to sniff for problems. Unusual odors could mean the tank is leaking.

6. Give the tank a final inspection before you use it for the first time. Be sure to have the tank filled before the cold weather sets in.

Last but certainly not least, it is important to put safety first whenever you work with your furnace or HVAC system. If you have any doubts about your ability to inspect and maintain the tank, do not hesitate to call a professional technician.

If you do choose to do your inspection and maintenance, use these tips to keep you safe:

•  Always assume that the tank is at least partially full

•  Never tip the tank over or try to empty it on your own

•  Be alert for unusual odors and wet spots, which could indicate a leak

Now is the time to check your heating system for signs of damage. Your furnace faces many threats over the hot summer months, from birds and spiders building nests in the lines to clogged filters reducing its efficiency. If you want to avoid an untimely breakdown on the coldest night of the year, do yourself, and your family, a favor by having it inspected now.

Stay Warm!