Winter in Idaho and eastern Washington is long and cold. Your furnace may run from October into April. A little prep now can help it make it through the season without a breakdown. Use this furnace tune-up checklist to get your system ready.
The list has two parts. The first part covers simple tasks you can do yourself. The second part covers what a pro checks during a furnace tune-up.
Why Your Furnace Needs a Yearly Tune-Up
A furnace has moving parts, burners and safety controls. All of them wear over time. A yearly tune-up helps catch small problems early. It can also help your furnace run more efficiently.
Most furnaces last 15 to 20 years with good care. Skipping maintenance can shorten that. Read more in our guide on how long a furnace lasts.
The best time to schedule a tune-up is in the fall. That way your system is ready before the first cold snap. Treasure Valley homes sit in climate zone 5B. Eastern Idaho homes in Bonneville and Bingham counties sit in zone 6B. Both zones mean many months of steady heating.
Your DIY Furnace Checklist
These steps take just a few minutes each. They do not require tools or special skills. Always turn off power to the furnace before you open any panel.
1. Change the Air Filter
A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of furnace trouble. It cuts airflow and can make the furnace overheat. Check your filter once a month during winter. Replace it when it looks gray or dusty. Need help picking one? See our furnace filters page.
2. Test the Thermostat
Switch your thermostat to heat. Set it a few degrees above room temperature. The furnace should start within a few minutes. If the screen is blank, replace the batteries.
3. Clear the Space Around the Furnace
Move boxes, paint cans and cleaning supplies away from the unit. Your furnace needs space to pull in air. Clutter can also be a fire risk.
4. Open and Clear Every Vent
Walk through your home and check each supply vent and return grille. Move rugs and furniture that block airflow. Closed vents can strain your system.
5. Check the Outside Vent Pipes
Many newer furnaces vent through plastic pipes on an outside wall or roof. Snow, ice, leaves or nests can block them. A blocked pipe can shut the furnace down. Clear them by hand and check again after big storms.
6. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas furnaces burn fuel to make heat. A cracked part can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Test each detector and replace old batteries. Learn more about carbon monoxide safety at home.
7. Look and Listen
Watch the burner flame through the small window if your furnace has one. It should be steady and blue. A yellow flame can mean the burners are not burning clean. Also listen for bangs, squeals or rattles when the furnace starts. Call a tech if you notice either problem.
What a Professional Tune-Up Covers
Some furnace tasks need training and tools. A pro tune-up usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Here is what a Right Now technician checks.
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Clean and adjust the gas burners
- Clean the combustion chamber
- Test igniter resistance
- Inspect the heat exchanger
- Inspect the filter and measure airflow
- Inspect the blower motor
- Test and calibrate the thermostat
- Test all safety controls
Your tech will explain anything that needs attention. You get upfront pricing options before any repair.
Signs You Need Repair, Not Just a Tune-Up
A tune-up is for a furnace that works. Some signs point to a problem that needs repair first. Call for furnace repair if you notice any of these.
- Cold air coming from the vents
- A furnace that turns on and off every few minutes
- A burning or electrical smell that does not fade
- Heating bills that climb with no change in use
If your furnace is old and needs a major part, a new system may make more sense. Our furnace installation and replacement team can walk you through your options.
Book Your Furnace Tune-Up Before the Cold Hits
Do not wait for the first freezing night to find out your furnace has a problem. Right Now serves homes across Idaho and the Tri-Cities in Washington. We are available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Call (208) 738-5175 to schedule your furnace tune-up today.
