As Bay Area temperatures begin to drop, it's time to ensure your furnace is ready for the heating season. While our winters are mild compared to other regions, a well-maintained furnace keeps your family comfortable and your energy bills manageable.
Why Fall Maintenance Matters
Your furnace has been dormant for months. Before demanding heat on that first cold night, smart homeowners verify their system is safe and efficient.
Benefits of fall furnace maintenance:
Identify safety issues before they become dangerous
Optimize efficiency for lower heating bills
Prevent mid-winter breakdowns
Extend equipment lifespan
Maintain warranty coverage
Complete Fall Furnace Checklist
Safety Inspection (Professional Recommended)
Check heat exchanger for cracks
Inspect gas connections for leaks
Test carbon monoxide detection
Verify proper venting and exhaust
Examine electrical connections
Filter Care (DIY)
Your furnace filter is the first line of defense:
Check filter monthly during heating season
Replace when visibly dirty (usually every 1-3 months)
Consider upgrading to higher MERV rating for better air quality
Ensure filter is installed correctly (check airflow arrows)
Thermostat Testing (DIY)
Switch to heating mode
Set temperature 5 degrees above current room temp
Verify furnace ignites within 1-2 minutes
Confirm warm air flows from vents
Check programmed schedules are current
Vent and Register Inspection (DIY)
Ensure all registers are open and unobstructed
Vacuum dust from register covers
Check that no furniture blocks airflow
Verify return air grilles are clean
Ductwork Assessment (DIY + Professional)
Visually inspect accessible ductwork for damage
Look for disconnected sections or obvious gaps
Check for excessive dust accumulation
Consider professional duct cleaning every 3-5 years
Professional Maintenance Tasks
A thorough professional tune-up includes:
Cleaning burners and ignition assembly
Lubricating blower motor and bearings
Testing safety controls and limit switches
Measuring gas pressure and adjusting if needed
Checking amp draw on motors
Inspecting flue pipe and draft diverter
Bay Area Heating Considerations
Our region's unique characteristics affect heating needs:
Mild Temperatures: Bay Area furnaces typically run fewer hours than systems in colder climates, but this can mask developing problems.
Air Quality: During wildfire season, your furnace filter works overtime. Consider HEPA-level filtration.
Older Homes: Many Bay Area homes were built before modern efficiency standards. Ductwork retrofits can significantly improve performance.
Variable Weather: Temperature swings mean your system may cycle between heating and cooling modes frequently.
When to Schedule Service
Don't wait until the first cold snap:
Schedule professional maintenance in September or October
This beats the rush and ensures technician availability
Allows time for any repairs before peak heating season
Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention
Contact a professional immediately if you notice:
Yellow or flickering burner flames (should be blue)
Strange odors when system runs
Excessive dust or soot around the furnace
Frequent cycling on and off
Unusual noises during operation
Fall maintenance is an investment in comfort, safety, and savings. A few hours of attention now prevents emergency service calls on cold winter nights.