Every fall, I get the same kind of call — someone turns on their furnace for the first time, it doesn’t start right up, and they figure it’s time for a tune-up. But honestly, if your furnace is fairly new and everything’s been running fine, you might not need a service call every single year.
Most of what we check on a “tune-up” visit are things homeowners can easily do themselves. If you take twenty minutes before the first cold front to look things over, you can probably skip that $150–$200 visit and still be just as ready for winter.
Here’s what I’d recommend checking:
1. Start with the filter
This is the first thing I look at when someone says their furnace isn’t keeping up. A clogged filter makes the blower motor work overtime and cuts down your airflow. If it’s a throwaway filter, just replace it. If it’s washable, rinse it out with warm water and let it dry completely. Check it every month during heating season — a clean filter saves you money and headaches.
2. Take a look outside
Your furnace pulls air in and vents exhaust through PVC pipes that usually run outside the house. Make sure they’re not blocked by leaves, dirt, or ice. A plugged intake or exhaust is one of the simplest causes of a “furnace won’t start” call.
3. Clear the space around it
I see this one a lot — people store boxes, paint cans, or laundry near the furnace. Keep a few feet of open space around it so it can breathe and stay safe.
4. Give the thermostat a test run
Before it gets really cold, set your thermostat a few degrees above room temperature. You should hear the furnace kick on. If it doesn’t, replace the thermostat batteries and make sure the furnace’s power switch is on. It’s better to find out now than on the first freezing night.
5. Watch and listen
When the burners light, peek through the small viewing glass. The flame should be steady and blue — not yellow or flickering. Listen for any new rattles or grinding sounds. If you hear something that doesn’t sound right, that’s when it’s worth calling a tech.
6. Check the drain line (for high-efficiency units)
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, you’ll see a small plastic drain tube. That line needs to stay clear so the condensation can drain. Once a year, pour a little white vinegar through it to help keep it from plugging up.
7. Run a short test cycle
Let it run for 10–15 minutes before you need it. You’ll notice right away if something doesn’t sound right or if the air isn’t heating evenly.
How often should you get a tune-up?
If your system is under 8 years old and you’re doing these steps yourself, it’s fine to have a professional inspection every 2–3 years instead of every year. Once it gets older, go back to yearly — that’s when little issues start showing up more often.
Bottom line
If you take a few minutes to do these simple checks, you can catch most issues before they become problems — and save yourself a service fee. A little DIY maintenance goes a long way, and your furnace will thank you when it’s working hard in January.