Winter Maintenance Checklist for Your Home Heating System

A winter maintenance checklist helps ensure your heating system is ready for high demand during the colder months. Without one, subtle signs your furnace isn’t working correctly can be missed. Dirt, leaks, and mechanical or electrical issues can lead to bigger problems. However, DIY and professional heating maintenance can avoid an emergency, furnace breakdown, or costly repair or replacement.

Below is a winter maintenance checklist that includes DIY tips and tasks a professional performs during an annual heater tune-up:

Home Heating Maintenance Checklist

It’s important to avoid disassembling or tinkering with your furnace. However, the following steps are safe for any homeowner to follow:

• Check the Filter: Generally, an HVAC filter should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, as a buildup of dust, dander, and other airborne particles can block airflow. A fresh filter can improve efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your furnace.
• Inspect the Pilot System: If your furnace has a pilot light, it can work only if the flame is lit. Turn off the power to the system and wait a few minutes so the gas has safely dissipated. Then, open the front cover and check the flame. If it’s out, press the reset switch and relight it by holding a match or lighter over the pilot light opening. 

Call a professional if the pilot light can’t be relit or the flame is yellow.

• Check the Flame Sensor: In a gas-powered furnace, the flame sensor registers when the gas valve is open, allowing the system to run. A malfunctioning sensor can affect temperature regulation, furnace safety, and energy costs. If the sensor is dirty or damaged, call a local heating contractor to clean or replace it.
• Test the Thermostat: To determine if your thermostat is working, set it to “Heat” mode and raise the temperature setting by 5℉ to 10℉. The furnace should quickly start up. If not, the thermostat may be malfunctioning or have faulty wiring and must be repaired. 
• Check for Gas Line Issues: The gas line should be inspected at least once a year. Start with the shut-off valve and check for any damage. A propane or rotten egg smell means you have a gas leak. Call for help immediately if there’s an odor or you hear a hissing sound.
• Inspect the Heating Unit for Leaks: A water leak from a furnace is a common problem, especially if you have a high-efficiency model. Leaks can originate from a clogged drain line, a damaged condensate drain pan, or a faulty humidifier. If it’s leaking, your furnace can be severely damaged. The problem can also lead to mold, so call a heating repair professional.
• Listen to Your Furnace: Call a repair company if the unit is making booming, squealing, clicking, and other strange sounds.

Non-Furnace Heating Maintenance Tips

Your winter maintenance checklist should go beyond your furnace. Here are various tasks that can help your heating system work more smoothly and efficiently:

• Check Air Vents: Clean any air vents clogged by dust or debris. Also, move any furniture, draperies, or boxes placed in front of a vent. Make sure all return and supply registers are open as well.
• Look for Duct Leaks: Inspect visible ductwork for signs of air leakage, such as holes, tears, and loose connections. Small holes can be sealed with mastic. Call a professional to handle more significant issues. 
• Seal Windows and Doors: Leaks from window and door frames can cause heat loss, strain your furnace, and increase energy costs. Light a candle near frames to find drafts. They can be sealed with caulking, plastic, or weatherstripping. You can also use heavier draperies or curtains to cover windows.
• Check/Improve Insulation: In The Bay Area, insulation should have an R-value of R38 if your attic is insulated or R49 if it’s uninsulated. Add insulation to any drafty areas and replace torn or missing insulating materials. You can cover pipes with tubular insulation to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Clean the Gutters: Check your roof gutters throughout the winter and remove any snow, ice, or debris. Melting snow can freeze in the gutters, blocking drainage and causing roof damage. This can lead to temperature control issues and water damage to your home and outdoor HVAC unit.

Schedule an Annual Tune-Up

A local HVAC contractor should inspect and service your heating system every fall. During an annual tune-up, they will follow a professional winter maintenance checklist that includes the following:

• Vacuum the Inside of the Unit: A technician has the knowledge and equipment to safely access internal components and clear dust and debris.
• Inspect Vent and Flue Pipes: Properly inspecting these and removing any obstructions prevents backdrafts and other hazards.
• Clean the Burners: Dirty burners must be removed and cleaned. Once reinstalled, clean burners contribute to more efficient heat transfer.
• Check for Gas Line Leaks: A gas leak can trigger a fire or explosion and expose you to toxic fumes. Inspecting gas lines ensures your furnace is safe to operate.
• Check/Adjust the Fan Switch: This ensures optimal air velocity, which impacts comfort and efficiency. The fan switch may need to be adjusted if you upgrade the air filter.
• Adjust the Pilot Light (If Necessary): The right setting avoids false sensor readings. Burners can also ignite more efficiently.
• Lubricate Bearings and Other Moving Parts: Lubricating internal components reduces friction and allows your furnace to operate more smoothly.
• Tighten Fan Belts and Pulleys: A heating technician checks fan belts and pulleys and tightens them if necessary, which prevents them from breaking and damaging other components.
• Inspect Wiring and Electrical Components: Loose connections are tightened, and damaged wiring is replaced to avoid furnace failure or a fire.
• Clean the Humidifier: If your heating system has a built-in humidifier, the contractor inspects and cleans it.
• Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: The technician makes sure the alarms are working and replaces the batteries if necessary.

Schedule Heating Maintenance with Trio Heating & Air

We are a leading HVAC company in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Our licensed technicians follow a comprehensive winter maintenance checklist to ensure your furnace is working properly. They take steps to improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and increase equipment lifespan. Trio is committed to delivering professional air conditioning and heating services and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Continue browsing to learn about what furnace cleaning costs. To schedule winter heating maintenance, book your appointment or call (415) 532-2984 today.