How do I service my furnace myself?

Author: Mrs. Kattie Kuhn Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, April 21, 2025

Furnace Maintenance Checklist
  1. Check and Replace the Air Filter. ...
  2. Inspect the Thermostat. ...
  3. Clean the Furnace Burner and Blower. ...
  4. Check for Gas Leaks and Inspect the Pilot Light. ...
  5. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks. ...
  6. Test the Safety Shutoff and Emergency Switch. ...
  7. Lubricate Moving Parts. ...
  8. Check for Unusual Noises.

Can you service a furnace yourself?

No! The biggest reason to never try and fix your furnace yourself is that it can be dangerous, especially if the furnace is gas, which is the most common type. The danger involved in repairing appliances connected to gas mains makes it illegal for anyone without a license to attempt it.

How much does it cost to have your furnace serviced?

The furnace repair costs in the Southern California area vary according to the repair needed. It can range anywhere from $100 to $200 to as high as $2,000-$3,000. We know that's a wide range of furnace repair pricing.

What is the most common problem of a furnace?

Check and Change Your Clogged Filter

This is a simple but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also happens to be the easiest maintenance chore.

What does a furnace service include?

Typical furnace maintenance costs range from $75 to $200 for a standard inspection and tune-up, depending on the service provider and region. This service often includes filter checks, cleaning, safety inspections, and minor adjustments. Comprehensive maintenance plans or more in-depth repairs may cost more.

Yearly Furnace Cleaning And Maintenance Pro Tips

What is the first thing you check when maintaining a furnace?

Inspecting the air filter is the first item on our furnace maintenance checklist because it is so critical to performance. Regular air filter replacement is essential, whether your furnace is electric or burns natural gas, propane, or oil.

What happens if you don't service your furnace?

When you skip a yearly furnace maintenance appointment, cracks can begin to form in the heat exchanger. As these cracks form, carbon monoxide begins to leak into your air vents.

What fails first on a furnace?

If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.

What is the average life of a furnace?

How long does a traditional furnace last? An average furnace is designed to operate for 15 to 30 years in a home. The easiest way to increase the life cycle of your furnace is to hire a certified technician to perform maintenance and repairs once a year.

Who do I call if my furnace isn't working?

If your furnace's problems continue, contact an HVAC expert. Also, if you notice discoloration when you check the pilot light, get professional help. If there are cold spots in your home, even though hot air is coming out of the air vents, the issue could be different from your furnace not working.

What is the most expensive part to fix on a furnace?

A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.

How long does a furnace servicing take?

You need a furnace tune up if you want to extend the lifespan and increase the efficiency of your furnace system. A professional heating system tune up takes around 1-3 hours and involves a comprehensive examination of all aspects of the system, including combustion chambers, burners, and gas pressures.

How much do furnace repairman charge per hour?

Several factors influence how much you'll pay for labor for your next HVAC repair or replacement service. However, the average cost of HVAC labor is $75 to $150 per hour.

How much is a furnace tune up?

Out West, Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician based in Nevada City, California, says a standard furnace tune-up cost typically falls between $70 and $150.

What does furnace cleaning consist of?

How to clean a furnace? Turn off the power and cut off the fuel supply to the furnace, clean furnace surfaces and combustion chamber, remove the blower, clean the blower carefully, clean the flame sensor, lubricate the oil caps, replace the air filter, and activate the burners once you're done.

Can you claim a furnace on your homeowners insurance?

Your base homeowners policy will cover many types of damage to your furnace. An extra endorsement known as Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) will give you additional coverage for certain types of mechanical or electrical failure.

Is a 20 year old furnace bad?

For starters, HVAC repair experts confirm that any furnace that has been in use for 20 years is nearing the end of its lifespan. The components of a 20-year-old furnace suffer a lot of wear and tear over the years. The aging process plays a significant role in lowering the efficiency of the furnace.

What is the most reliable gas furnace brand?

The 5 Best Furnace Brands
  • Carrier Furnace: Best Warranty.
  • Lennox Furnace: Best Company Reputation.
  • Bryant Furnace: Best for Durability.
  • Trane Furnace: Most Years of Experience.
  • Amana Furnace: Best for Efficiency.

What is the cost of a new furnace?

How much does a new furnace cost? New furnace cost can vary significantly. Gas furnaces costs can range from as little as $3,800 for a basic unit with installation to more than $10,000 to $12,000 for a high-efficiency model with professional installation.

What is the most common problem of furnace?

Furnace Problem #1: The Thermostat Isn't Set To Heat

It's possible someone accidentally switched it off or made an overly aggressive temperature adjustment. It's also possible that your thermostat batteries died. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you while you check.

Do I have to bleed my furnace?

Over time, air can get trapped in a furnace's fuel line, causing the furnace to sputter or even shut down completely. Furnace bleeding removes air from the fuel line, ensuring a smooth oil flow to the burner.

What is the most common part to fail on a furnace?

1. Thermostat Isn't Working. One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running.

What does a furnace tune-up include?

A certified technician will carefully examine your furnace, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. This includes inspecting the heat exchanger, burner, ignition system, electrical connections, and thermostat.

How much does a furnace cleaning cost?

While a standard furnace cleaning costs about $60 to $150, you'll spend around $150 to $400 for an advanced cleaning package. Even if you keep up with regular cleanings, from time to time you'll need to spend a little more for the deep clean to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape, inside and out.

How long does it take to service a furnace?

On average, furnace cleaning and tune-up services last just one to two hours. During these appointments, our technicians inspect all interior and exterior furnace components, calibrate thermostats, and inspect and clean furnace venting systems. We also: Inspect heat exchangers for build-ups, blockages, and cracks.

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