Seasonal Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

As winter approaches, it is time to get out your furnace maintenance checklist and start crossing things off. Proper furnace maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Through proper care, you can improve your energy efficiency, decrease your power bill, and ensure a heightened level of indoor comfort throughout the winter. More importantly, a well-maintained furnace is less likely to break down and leave you shivering in a blizzard.

1. Inspect and Clean the Air Filters

When you perform your seasonal furnace maintenance, start by checking your air filters. Replacing a dirty filter can improve your energy efficiency by 5% to 15%. When the filter is clogged, it prevents air from flowing through. In turn, this causes your furnace to work harder to achieve the same indoor temperature.

Fortunately, you can easily fix a dirty air filter by simply cleaning or replacing it. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how and when you should deal with the filter. Normally, manufacturers recommend changing or cleaning the air filter every 30 to 90 days.

2. Test the Thermostat Settings

The next step in your furnace maintenance checklist is to test your thermostat. Check the settings to make sure it is set to the correct temperature. You can ensure the thermostat is working properly by using a regular thermometer to double-check that it is sensing the air temperature correctly.

To save money on your power bill, consider getting a programmable thermostat. If you turn your thermostat down by 7°F to 10°F for just eight hours each day, you can save up to 10% on your energy bill. With a programmable thermostat, it’s easy to adjust the temperature in eight-hour time windows

3. Clean the Furnace and Vents

During your home heating system care, you need to clean the furnace and vents. Over time, dust and debris can build up. Eventually, this can impact your furnace’s airflow and make the system work much harder than it should.

You can clean easy-to-reach areas on your own. Similarly, vents can be cleaned with a vacuum. For any delicate or hard-to-reach locations, you should get an HVAC technician to handle the winter furnace maintenance for you. Ideally, you should get your furnace professionally cleaned every two to three years.

4. Inspect the Blower and Belts

As a part of your HVAC system maintenance, you should check the blower motor and belts for wear and tear. To do this, turn off the furnace and remove the furnace access panel. Look for cracks in the belt. It shouldn’t have more than an inch of give in either direction. If it doesn’t, it should be tightened.

Testing the windings for resistance and checking the capacitor should be left to a professional. However, you can easily see if there is damage to the blower by paying attention to common symptoms of a problem. Squeaking and grinding sounds are one of the most common signs of a faulty blower.

5. Check for Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide

Gas leaks and high carbon monoxide levels can be fatal. Because carbon monoxide is completely odorless and invisible, you won’t know it is there. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each story of your home, and in each bedroom. Change the batteries at least once a year. To prevent carbon monoxide and gas leaks, schedule an inspection at least once a year.

6. Inspect the Furnace Flame

As a part of your seasonal furnace maintenance, check the furnace flame. If it is a steady blue color, it is working properly.

Meanwhile, a yellow flame indicates poor combustion, which may cause carbon monoxide emissions. Anytime the furnace flame changes color, you should immediately call a professional for HVAC system maintenance.

7. Schedule a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

When it comes to your home heating system care, the most important thing you can do is get a professional furnace tune-up each year. A licensed HVAC technique can conduct a thorough inspection. By cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the furnace regularly, they can catch minor issues before they become major repairs.

A talented HVAC technician will ensure your entire system is running as smoothly as possible. To have the best experience, you should look for the best furnace maintenance service provider in your area, like Rogue Valley Heating & Air. By booking an appointment with a top provider, you prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend your furnace’s lifespan by several years.

Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

Cleaning your furnace, changing the air filter, and testing your thermostat are just a few of the furnace maintenance checklist items you should complete before winter sets in. For more complicated winter furnace maintenance, it’s important to reach out to a professional HVAC company. Through consistent upkeep, you can ensure the safety, energy efficiency, and reliability of your furnace during the wintertime.