Keeping a furnace checklist handy can help you understand potential problems that may occur, as well as annual professional-maintenance procedures that are typically required. However, since residential, gas-fired furnaces incorporate a high-temperature burner flame and produce combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide, just one item on the typical furnace checklist is something you can handle on your own: Be sure to replace the furnace air filter at least every other month all winter long. Leave the rest of the furnace checklist below to a qualified HVAC service technician.
Here’s a typical furnace checklist that a service tech might utilize to conduct routine furnace maintenance and inspection:
- Verify all safety controls and wiring connections between sensors.
- Clean burners and the furnace combustion chamber.
- Visually inspect the heat exchanger for signs of cracks or other defects that could leak dangerous gases into the system airflow.
- Clean the electronic flame sensor or thermocouple in an older unit and verify proper operation.
- Clean the furnace blower and pulley. Adjust fan belt tension if necessary. Lubricate all moving blower parts. Test the blower for proper operation.
- Check the condensate drain pan for mold or algae growth. Verify that condensate flows freely through the drain line.
- Inspect the condition of the furnace vent pipe all the way to the roof. Look for any obstructions such as bird’s nests.
- Make sure adequate combustion air can reach the combustion chamber.
- Cycle the furnace on and monitor proper ignition and flame quality.
- Measure and record furnace manifold pressure.
- Check temperature rise. If necessary, adjust blower output.
- Test for carbon monoxide in circulating air and free air and record the level.
- Verify that furnace has the gas-pressure test tag attached.
- Wipe the furnace cabinet clean. Verify that no flammable materials are stored nearby.
- Test home smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if required.
- Review results with the homeowner.
If you have questions about a furnace checklist or other HVAC-related issues, the professionals at Paitson Bros. — your source of trusted advice in the Wabash Valley since 1922 — are here to help.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922