Fall Furnace Maintenance Checklist for San Jose Homeowners

Why Fall Maintenance Matters

Even in San Jose's mild climate, your furnace works hard during winter months. A fall tune-up ensures safety, efficiency, and reliability when you need heat most.

DIY Maintenance Tasks

1. Replace the Air Filter

• Check monthly during heating season
• Replace when visibly dirty
• Use the correct size and rating for your system

2. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace

• Remove stored items within 3 feet
• Ensure air intake is unobstructed
• Never store flammables near the furnace

3. Test Your Thermostat

• Turn on the heat and verify the furnace responds
• Check that the temperature reads accurately
• Replace batteries in battery-powered thermostats

4. Check Vents and Registers

• Ensure all vents are open and unblocked
• Vacuum dust from register covers
• Check for obvious duct disconnections

5. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Replace batteries
• Test with the test button
• Replace detectors over 5-7 years old

Professional Maintenance Tasks

These should be done by a licensed technician:

Safety Inspection

• Heat exchanger inspection for cracks
• Gas connection check
• Combustion analysis
• Venting system inspection

Efficiency Tune-Up

• Burner cleaning and adjustment
• Flame sensor cleaning
• Blower motor inspection
• Electrical connection tightening

Performance Testing

• Thermostat calibration
• Airflow measurement
• Temperature rise verification
• Carbon monoxide testing

When to Schedule

The best time for furnace maintenance is early fall (September-October) before heating season starts. This ensures:

• Technicians are available (busy season comes later)
• Any needed repairs can be completed before you need heat
• Your system is ready when the first cold snap hits

Warning Signs to Watch For

Call for service immediately if you notice:

• Yellow or flickering pilot light (should be blue)
• Soot around the furnace
• Rust on the flue pipe
• Strange smells when furnace runs
• Carbon monoxide detector alerts

Schedule Your Tune-Up

Don't wait until you're shivering! Schedule your fall furnace maintenance today.