Annual Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Regular maintenance keeps your furnace running efficiently, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and extends equipment life. Here is what you can do between professional service visits.

Monthly Tasks During Heating Season

Check and Replace Air Filter This is the single most important maintenance task homeowners can do.

How to check: 1. Locate your filter (return air duct or at furnace) 2. Remove and hold up to light 3. If you cannot see through it, replace it

**Filter tips:**

Keep spare filters on hand
Note the size printed on the current filter frame
Basic filters need monthly replacement
Higher MERV filters may last longer but check monthly

Listen for Unusual Sounds Familiarize yourself with normal operating sounds so you notice changes: - New squealing, grinding, or banging - Changes in blower sound - Clicking that does not lead to ignition

Check Vents and Registers - Walk through the home checking all vents - Ensure nothing is blocking airflow - Open any closed registers (closing too many can cause problems)

Seasonal Tasks (Before Heating Season)

Visual Inspection - Check around furnace for anything that does not belong - Ensure no storage items are too close (maintain 3-foot clearance) - Look for signs of rust, soot, or damage

Test the System Before you really need it: - Turn the thermostat to heat mode - Set temperature 5 degrees above current temp - Confirm the furnace starts and produces heat - Let it run for 10-15 minutes and check for unusual smells or sounds

Check Thermostat - Replace batteries if applicable - Verify settings are correct - Test that the system responds properly

Clear Outdoor Vents If your furnace has outdoor intake or exhaust: - Locate vents on exterior walls - Remove any bird nests, leaves, or debris - Ensure screens are intact

Annual Professional Maintenance

While the above tasks help, professional maintenance includes things homeowners cannot do:

**What professionals check:**

Combustion efficiency and safety
Heat exchanger integrity
Gas pressure and connections
Electrical connections
Blower motor condition
Thermostat calibration
Overall system operation

**When to schedule:**

Fall, before heating season begins
Combine with AC maintenance for a complete HVAC tune-up

Warning Signs Between Services

Contact a professional if you notice:

Yellow or flickering pilot light (should be blue)
Soot or scorch marks around furnace
Excessive dust or rust
Increased energy bills without explanation
Family members experiencing headaches or flu-like symptoms (possible CO issue)
Furnace cycling on and off frequently
Rooms that will not warm up

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Every home with a gas furnace should have working CO detectors:

Install on every level and near bedrooms
Test monthly
Replace batteries annually
Replace detectors per manufacturer recommendations (typically every 5-7 years)