As the leaves begin to change color across Gresham OR, it’s time to start thinking about something important: your home’s heating system. Taking the time to complete a thorough fall furnace checklist now can save you from uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations later.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its cold, damp winters, and the last thing you want is to wake up on a freezing morning to find your furnace isn’t working. That’s why preparing your furnace for winter should be at the top of your fall to-do list.

Your furnace has been sitting idle for several months during the warmer weather. During that time, dust has settled on components, parts may have worn down, and small issues that weren’t noticeable in spring could have gotten worse.

Running your furnace without checking it first is like driving your car cross-country without an oil change or tire inspection. It might work fine, or you could end up stranded on the side of the road.

Simple DIY Checks You Can Perform Yourself

These simple checks don’t require any special tools or technical knowledge, and they can make a real difference in how well your system performs:

Start with your furnace filter. Before you turn on your furnace for the first time this fall, pull out the filter and take a look at it. If you can’t see light through it, or if it’s visibly gray and clogged, it’s time for a replacement.
Check your thermostat. Start by testing it. Set the temperature a few degrees higher than the current room temperature and wait to see if your furnace kicks on. If nothing happens, you may have a thermostat problem that needs professional attention.
Open and clear your vents. Walk through your home and check every supply and return register. Make sure they’re fully open and that nothing is blocking them. No furniture pushed up against them, no rugs draped over floor vents, no boxes stacked in front of wall registers, and no curtains hanging over them.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors. Press the test button on each unit to make sure the alarm sounds. If any detectors don’t respond, replace the batteries immediately. If new batteries don’t solve the problem, replace the entire unit.

Tips for Keeping Your Furnace Running Smoothly Through Winter

Stay on top of filter changes. Checking and changing your filter regularly is the single most important thing you can do for your furnace. Make it a habit to check your filter on the first of every month.
Keep vents and returns clear. Throughout the winter, be mindful of where you place furniture, decorations, and storage items. It’s easy to accidentally block a vent when rearranging furniture or stacking holiday decorations.
Address issues promptly. If you notice anything unusual (strange noises, odd smells, uneven heating, higher than expected bills), don’t wait until there’s a complete breakdown to call for help.

Leaving for an Extended Period of Time? Protect Your Home & Furnace

If you’re planning to be away, taking a few precautions can protect both your furnace and your home:

Never turn your heating system completely off during winter, even if you’ll be gone for weeks. Pacific Northwest winters can bring unexpected cold snaps, and if your home’s temperature drops too low, you risk frozen pipes.
Set your thermostat to a lower but safe temperature, typically around 55-60°F. This keeps the house warm enough to prevent freezing while reducing energy use while you’re away.
Before you leave, it’s wise to have a professional furnace inspection to make sure everything is working correctly. The last thing you want is to have your furnace fail while you’re thousands of miles away.

Maximize Furnace Efficiency & Lower Your Winter Heating Bills

Seal air leaks. Your furnace can be running perfectly, but if warm air is escaping through gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings, you’re wasting money. Before the cold weather sets in, walk through your home and check for drafts.
Use your ceiling fans wisely. If you have ceiling fans, you can use them to improve heating efficiency. Most fans have a switch that changes the direction of rotation. In winter, set your fans to run clockwise at a low speed.
Take advantage of sunlight. On sunny winter days, open blinds and curtains on south-facing windows to let the sun’s warmth into your home naturally. This free heat can take some of the burden off your furnace.
Consider system upgrades. While a new furnace is a significant investment, the energy savings can be substantial, especially if you plan to stay in your home for many years.
Schedule annual maintenance. Perhaps the most effective way to maximize efficiency is to keep your furnace in top condition through professional furnace tune up services. A well-maintained system simply runs more efficiently than a neglected one.

Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Professional Attention

Strange Noises

Booming noises when the system starts up can indicate delayed ignition, which means gas is building up before the burners light. Clicking sounds might point to problems with the ignition system or electrical components.

Squealing often means a belt is worn or a motor bearing needs lubrication. Rattling could indicate loose parts or ductwork issues.

Unusual Odors

A slight dusty smell is normal and should go away within a day. However, a rotten egg smell is particularly serious. This is the scent added to natural gas to help you detect leaks.

Burning or electrical smells can indicate overheating components or wiring problems. Musty odors might mean mold is growing somewhere in your system or ductwork.

Visible Flame Problems

If you have a gas furnace, take a look at the burner flames. They should burn a steady blue color.

If you see orange or yellow flickering flames instead, something is wrong. Discolored flames can indicate incomplete combustion, which reduces efficiency and can produce dangerous carbon monoxide.

Performance Issues

Sometimes the signs that your furnace needs attention are more subtle. Maybe your heating bills have crept up even though you haven’t changed how you use your system.

Perhaps your home doesn’t feel as warm as it used to, or some rooms are comfortable while others stay chilly. Your system might be cycling on and off more frequently, or it might be struggling to reach the temperature you set on the thermostat.

Frequent Repairs

If you’ve been calling for furnace repairs more often than usual, it might be time for a comprehensive furnace check up to evaluate the overall condition of your system.

Frequent breakdowns often signal that multiple components are wearing out, and continuing to repair an aging system may not be the most cost-effective approach.

Professional Tune Up Services by Kombi’s Heating and Cooling

While there’s plenty you can do yourself to maintain your furnace, some tasks require professional training, tools, and experience. An annual furnace inspection performed by qualified technicians goes much deeper than surface-level checks, examining components you can’t see and testing functions you can’t evaluate on your own. This is where Kombi’s Heating and Cooling’s $99 furnace tune-up special comes in.

Here’s what it includes:

Inspecting and cleaning the burner and flame sensor
Checking thermostat calibration
Lubricating moving parts
Testing safety controls
Inspecting electrical connections
Checking the heat exchanger for cracks
Testing combustion gases for maximum efficiency

Kombi’s Heating and Cooling Will Get Your Furnace Ready

Don’t wait until the first cold snap catches you off guard. As we head into another Pacific Northwest winter, taking the time to prepare your furnace now will pay dividends in comfort, safety, and savings throughout the season.

Our team is proud to serve homeowners throughout Gresham OR and the surrounding communities. We understand the unique heating challenges our region presents, and we’re committed to helping our neighbors stay comfortable all winter long.

Ready to check furnace tune-up off your to-do list? Take advantage of our $99 tune-up special and start the heating season with confidence. It’s everything your furnace needs to perform at its best. Contact us today to schedule your annual furnace check.