I had to leave work for a short while today to be home to let the furnace maintenance man into the house to perform a “check-over” service before winter really sets in.  We purchased a maintenance agreement with the propane company last year that says that every year they will come out and check the furnace and repair anything that might wrong with it, and if the furnace DOES break down and needs repair, that they will repair it.  The maintenance agreement cost us $200, but it covers all parts and labor, so we think it is well worth it – there is nothing worse than having a furnace break down in the middle of winter!  And furnace repairs can get really expensive, too!  So I consider it an insurance policy that is well worth the money!