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Mar 12, 2025 | Michael Jestadt

Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Imagine you bought a new furnace system a few years ago, and it is running well. But, one day, all of a sudden, it broke down. So, you might find the reason for it and suddenly realize that you missed the regular furnace inspection, which is done every year. In this situation, we may feel frustrated. But, it is the most common scene most homeowners come across. So, regular furnace tune-ups with a professional must be done to avoid sudden breakdowns of the system. In this article, we’re excited to share a comprehensive furnace maintenance checklist designed to keep your furnace running smoothly for years to come. By following these essential tips, you can ensure your heating system stays reliable and efficient, providing you with the warmth you need throughout the colder months!

Why Is Furnace Maintenance Important?

Furnace maintenance is important to keep your heating system in running condition. It can avoid potential issues and unexpected breakdowns and prevent costly repairs. A professional furnace tune-up ensures safety by observing gas leaks or broken parts. Cleaning your furnace regularly also helps to save energy. With regular maintenance, your furnace lasts longer and keeps your home warm for many years.

Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up

The following are the signs that you need to observe to make sure that you need furnace maintenance service:

• Less to no heat emission from the registers
• More energy bills
• Unusual Odours from the furnace
• Noises from the furnace system
• Frequent on and off of the furnace system
• Pilot Light Issues

How Often Should You Perform a Furnace Tune-Up?

If you have a furnace system, it’s best to have it maintained once a year, usually before the winter season. Regular maintenance can increase your furnace system’s longevity, keeping your home warm and safe. If you have an older furnace or live in a place with very cold weather, you might need check-ups every six months.

You should get a yearly inspection regardless of when you installed your HVAC system. Most manufacturers require it to keep your warranty valid. If you miss any of the regular tune-ups, your system might lose its warranty, which could result in expensive repairs.

Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Most of the major issues can be detected by HVAC experts. Each of them is elaborated on below for your reference:

☐ Check Thermostat

Check the thermostat and ensure the system’s accuracy and functionality. If your thermostat is not working properly, the furnace may not produce heat, it can turn on and off frequently, and the room’s temperature will change. A furnace expert will ensure the thermostat is free of dust or debris and revive it into working condition. They also do recalibration, which can help you reduce energy costs.

☐ Check the Ignition and Flame

Your HVAC technician will check your furnace by turning it on and off to see how well it works. The ignition is important because it heats the air. They will also observe the flame’s color to make sure that the furnace is getting enough oxygen. If there is any issue or malfunction, the ignitor or the pilot valve will be changed to keep your furnace working properly.

☐ Check Flush Drains and Traps

During the inspection, the HVAC expert will clean the furnace’s drains and traps and check for leaks caused by loose connections, cracks, or holes in the condensate drain line. Most furnaces have at least two internal drains that connect to a trap, helping remove excess water from the heat exchanger and vent. Accumulation of condensation is important as it can shut off combustion.

☐ Check Vents

Checking the vents is important in furnace systems. Make sure that the vents are clear because gas is sent away through vents with the help of a flue pipe. The HVAC experts will look for leaks and debris and ensure that there is proper ventilation. Rust and water streaks are the common signs of clogged vents.

☐ Check Blower

The furnace expert will check and clean the blower motor, which controls the airflow in your HVAC system. The blower also runs the furnace fan, which helps move warm air through your home. They will also check the blower’s run capacitor, which works like a battery to keep the blower running smoothly.

☐ Check Panels

Your furnace expert will check the panels and ensure that they are securely in place. Loose panels can lower efficiency, create rattling noises, or even cause the system to shut down. If the front panel doesn’t close properly, it could also lead to the emission of dangerous carbon monoxide into your home.

☐ Check Controls

If a safety feature is triggered, the furnace usually won’t restart until it is manually reset. Test the furnace system’s controls and safety features to ensure they don’t interfere with the functioning of the other parts of the system. These safety features have built-in triggers to prevent any dangerous malfunctions or overloads. The limit switch is the major safety feature, which shuts off the gas supply if heat is beyond the limit.

☐ Check the Air Openings

Your furnace’s air intake vent is usually on the side of your house, while return ducts are in rooms, hallways, and stairwells. If these air openings are blocked, it can lead to carbon monoxide buildup or pressure issues and make your furnace less efficient. The HVAC pro checks all vents for blockages, which can be caused by dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, leaves, hair, dirt, or even small animals.

☐ Check Heat Exchanger

Check the heat exchanger. Visual inspection can detect any potential issues. A heat exchanger combines hot and cold air and maintains optimal temperature and comfort. Signs of a problem include a strong smell, soot buildup, cracks, or unusual noises.

☐ Clean and Grease the Moving Parts

A furnace expert will clean and oil the inside parts of your furnace to help them last longer and prevent any future breakdowns. Furnaces have bearings, motors, and blower shafts. These parts need oiling at least once a year to keep everything running smoothly. Regular maintenance helps your furnace work better and avoid costly repairs.

☐ A Total Clean up

Dust is the most common thing that accumulates in the furnace system. Furnaces are generally fixed in areas like closets and basements. So, Clean and wipe the surface of the furnace regularly to keep the area clean. If you hire a professional technician, they will clean the furnace for you and leave the area clean after the inspection.

DIY Furnace Maintenance

The following are DIY tips for keeping your furnace system in good condition without expensive repairs.

• Opt for a maintenance plan from your HVAC contractor
• Check your air filter
• Replace your air filter every three months. If you are a pet parent or have any sensitivities, the frequency of air filter change will be higher.
• Keep the area around your unit clean.
• Maintain a buffer zone of around 3 feet for the outdoor unit.
• Call pest control If you notice rodents, flies, or pests near your HVAC system.

Take Care of Your Furnace with Smart Heating and Air Conditioning

A furnace tune-up checklist is important to keep your furnace working efficiently, safely, and for a long time. Regular maintenance saves you money by lowering energy costs, prevents expensive repairs, and maintains comfort and safety in your home all winter. Don’t skip your yearly furnace check-up! Schedule a maintenance visit with Smart Heating and Air Conditioning to give your heating system the professional care it needs. Contact us today to schedule your furnace tune-up service!