Simple Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips to Avoid Repairs
Heating costs can climb fast in the winter, and things get even worse if your furnace suddenly stops working on a very cold night. A breakdown often means an expensive emergency furnace repair.
The good news? You can prevent many problems with a few simple gas furnace maintenance steps. Anyone can do these tasks, and they can help you avoid service calls and keep your furnace running safely.
A great place to start is by making a maintenance checklist and hanging it next to your furnace. This helps you remember what to do and when you last did it.
Here are the basic steps for maintaining your gas furnace.
1. Fight the Biggest Problem: Dirt
Dirt is the number one reason people call for heating repair. Luckily, most dirt-related problems are easy to prevent.
✔ Replace or Clean Your Furnace Filter
- Change or clean the filter at the start of the heating season.
- Then replace it every three months during heavy use.
- Hold the filter up to a light—if you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it.
✔ Clean Around the Blower Assembly
Open the furnace panel and look for the blower assembly (it’s easy to spot).
Use a vacuum or a cloth to remove dust and dirt from the area.
Keeping this part clean helps air move smoothly through your system.
2. Check the Pilot Light
Before calling a technician, always look at the pilot light.
A gas furnace usually has a small flame that lights the gas. If the flame has gone out:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it.
- While you're there, check that the burner area is clean.
- The flame should be blue. If you see yellow, something is wrong and the system needs professional attention.
Some newer furnaces don’t have a pilot light and instead use an electrical igniter. If that part fails, you will need a trained technician to repair it.
3. Save Money With a Programmable Thermostat
Once your furnace is clean and running well, you can save even more by installing a programmable thermostat.
This lets you set the heat to automatically lower during the day when no one is home. There’s no need to heat an empty house—this simple change can reduce your heating bills all winter long.
While these DIY furnace maintenance tips can save you money, there will be times when you need to call on a professional gas furnace repair specialist. Don't be left out in the cold. Put our reliable, courteous, certified heating technicians to work for you. To learn more about services our company offers, please visit our homepage.
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