Furnace Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Each Winter (Plus a Pro Tune-Up)
Annual furnace maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the longevity of your heating system. There are two main parts to your furnace tune-up checklist that you need to ensure you never forget. These include steps you need to do as a homeowner to prepare your furnace and a professional furnace inspection.
Why Furnace Maintenance Matters Each Winter
There are many reasons you need to get annual furnace maintenance. One of the most important things is to ensure that your equipment is operating safely. If your furnace burns propane, heating oil, or natural gas, it creates toxic exhaust fumes. Without proper ventilation, this could allow carbon monoxide to back up inside your home. A routine furnace tune-up will ensure that your system is operating safely, giving you peace of mind.
Another great reason to invest in this service is to ensure your system is operating as efficiently as possible. This is a great way to avoid overpaying for your wintertime heating bills due to an inefficient system. Regular maintenance ensures enhanced comfort throughout the winter and greatly reduces your risk of experiencing a breakdown. You can even learn how much longer your unit is likely to last. This way, you can schedule a replacement at a time that’s most convenient for your schedule and budget.
DIY Furnace Maintenance Checklist (Homeowner Steps)
Homeowner maintenance is the first part of your maintenance checklist. This includes taking care of the components of your system that don’t require professional intervention. These include things like changing your furnace filter, programming your thermostat, and testing all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
It’s important to do homeowner maintenance in the fall before the beginning of the winter season. This will set your unit up to operate successfully. This type of maintenance should be done every one to two months throughout the colder months of the year. For example, you may not replace your furnace filter every month, but you should be checking it. This way, you can catch it before it gets dirty and replace it before it causes significant system inefficiency.
Checklist Items
- Furnace filter change: Remove the existing filter and replace it with a brand-new filter.
- Check thermostat settings: Program your thermostat and replace its batteries if needed.
- Inspect vents: Check each supply and return vent to ensure it’s open and unobstructed.
- Examine ducting: Examine visible ducting for any gaps or leaks.
- Test detectors: Replace batteries and test CO and smoke detectors.
- Test system: Turn your heater on and check for unusual smells or noises.
- Clean condensate drain (high-efficiency furnaces): Check the drain line and pump for mold or mildew.
- Clear space around the furnace: Make sure nothing is stored near the system so that it can breathe.
What NOT to DIY (Leave to a Pro)
While there are some tasks that you can do yourself to prepare your furnace for the upcoming winter, there are things you definitely want to leave up to a professional. The ignition compartment, heat exchanger, burner assembly, and electrical components should get professional care. Our technicians have the knowledge and appropriate equipment to service these units properly.
What a Professional Furnace Tune-Up Includes
A professional inspection is done once a year to prepare your heating system for the entire winter season. It includes a full safety inspection and testing of your unit. We’ll clean its components and make necessary adjustments while checking your airflow. This will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating both safely and efficiently. It’s also necessary to maintain the warranty coverage on your system.
Common Tune-Up Inclusions
During our professional furnace tune-up, we’ll inspect the heat exchanger to look for problems like cracks or corrosion. We’ll inspect the burner, its flame sensor, and the ignition system to ensure that everything is lighting properly. We always verify appropriate gas pressure and safety controls for optimal operation.
Our technicians evaluate your venting system and test for dangerous carbon monoxide emissions. They’ll visually inspect all the electrical connections and components. They’ll also look over your blower motor and the entire blower compartment to catch any worn-out components. Our skillful technicians will properly calibrate your thermostat and do full system testing to ensure everything is operating correctly.
How Often Should You Schedule Furnace Maintenance?
It’s best to schedule furnace maintenance in the early fall to avoid the peak heating season rush. If you have a particularly old system or one that you use heavily, significant dust, and several pets, you may want to consider getting maintenance twice a year. Our technicians can let you know the best maintenance schedule for your individual unit.
Signs You Need Furnace Service Now
While following your furnace tune-up checklist is great for reducing your breakdown risk, it can’t completely eliminate it. Anytime that your furnace functions out of the norm, it’s necessary to call us. These include issues like no heat, short-cycling, setting off your CO detectors, and uneven heating. You may hear loud operational noises, experience weird odors, or even high energy bills. These all signal a problem with your unit that requires professional intervention.
Furnace Maintenance FAQs
Whether it’s about a furnace filter change or a professional furnace inspection, we get a lot of questions from our customers. Below, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you learn more about the subject.
How Frequently Do I Need A Tune-Up?
It’s necessary to schedule a furnace tune-up every fall to prepare your heating system for the winter. This will maintain your warranty coverage and ensure your system is operating efficiently. As a homeowner, you should be checking your air filter once a month.
What Is The Typical Furnace Maintenance Cost?
The typical cost to maintain your furnace depends on a few different factors. These include the type of furnace that you have and its location. We can provide you with an estimated furnace maintenance cost when you call us to schedule your appointment.
Why Are CO Detectors Important?
If you have a furnace that burns natural gas, heating oil, or propane, it creates byproducts from the combustion process. The most notable is carbon monoxide, which can be highly dangerous. Well-functioning carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home can alert you if there’s an issue with your furnace before it becomes fatally dangerous.
How Do I Check Furnace Filters?
It’s necessary to check your furnace filter every month and replace it whenever it gets dirty. You can check it by pulling it out of the filter housing and holding it up to a light. If you can’t see through the filter, it needs to be replaced with a new one.
Should I DIY Repairs?
It’s common to experience issues with your furnace from time to time. When you do, it’s necessary to call in a professional to handle the repairs for you. This will ensure that they’re covered under warranty, as DIY work typically isn’t.
Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up With G1 Air Today
G1 Air is your go-to expert for furnace maintenance in Schertz, TX. We can also assist with all your heating system repair, new installation, and replacement needs.
Contact us today to book your next service appointment.
