The Complete Furnace Maintenance Checklist

April 26, 2023

With the average low temperature in Utah County during the winter being a mere 21°F (with it often dipping much lower), you don’t want to be stuck without a working furnace. Prevent that from happening by completing your yearly furnace maintenance to keep the heat running smoothly all winter long.

If the below furnace maintenance checklist seems a little daunting, don’t worry! YES! has a team of expert technicians who can help. We get the job done quickly and affordably so you can continue to live in comfort even on the coldest of days.

Yearly Furnace Maintenance Checklist

It’s important to complete every item on this checklist to ensure the safety and longevity of your furnace:

• Check that your thermostat is functioning properly. This small piece of electronics holds the responsibility for telling your furnace when to turn on and off. Sometimes age or faulty wiring can cause it to stop working. Before moving on to more in-depth troubleshooting, change the batteries, give it a good dusting, and make sure the device is perfectly level and away from heat sources.

• Tighten electrical connections on the furnace. Loose, corroded, or frayed connections can cause a safety hazard. Make sure to shut off the furnace’s electrical breaker before doing any checks!

• Examine natural gas connections including the flue pipe. If there is a gas leak, you may smell it or hear a hissing sound. You can also check for air bubbles leaking out of the fittings or even the straight lengths of the pipe. Do this by spraying soapy water around the gas valve, the pilot tube, and the burner assembly to locate any leaks. Alternatively, use an electronic leak detector.

• Inspect the heat exchanger for carbon monoxide. The heat exchanger is designed to contain the fire, transmit heat, and vent toxic exhaust to the outside. If there are cracks in it, carbon monoxide can escape inside your home. Additionally, make sure the combustion air openings aren’t restricted. Otherwise, the furnace will be under negative pressure and the combustion will result in a backdraft of carbon monoxide. However, a visual inspection for blockages or cracks may not be enough. Use a carbon monoxide tester specifically for furnaces and carefully follow all the listed instructions.

• Check the furnace controls. Observe your unit’s control board for one complete cycle of off, to heating, and off again. If the furnace doesn’t function properly, your control board will show flashing lights that indicate there’s a problem. You will need to perform further troubleshooting or replace the control board.

• Remove and clean the burners. Dirty burners will cause poor combustion. In turn, this causes soot, condensation, and a shorter furnace lifespan. While you’re at it, check the quality of the flames and make any adjustments if necessary.

• Check and clean the automatic ignition system, spark pilot, hot surface igniter, and flame sensor. These are the most common causes of furnace service requests because weak or dirty parts will make the furnace shut down.

• Inspect and adjust belts and pulleys. If they are loose, worn, or cracked, they can shorten the life of the compressor.

• Check and adjust the fan switch(es). When doing so, do not press, bend, or twist the rotating metal disc or the control can become both inaccurate and unsafe.

• Lubricate rotating equipment. This includes the fans and bearings. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the proper lubricant and how much of it to use.

• Check the voltage and amp draw. Typical furnaces require a draw of 60-80 amps, but the exact number depends on its size and performance capabilities. Check your manual and use an amp meter for the measurements.

• Replace a dirty air filter. Ideally, this should be done every 3-12 months, depending on the thickness of the filter.

• Secure all loose panels. Closing everything tightly will help prevent a safety hazard, a shutdown, and a higher operating cost.

What to Do If You Don’t Want to Maintain Your Furnace Yourself

If you want an expert to complete your furnace maintenance for you, choose Yes!

For additional information on HVAC services, call our team at 844-216-9300 and speak with a technician today.