Your pre-winter furnace checklist (10 minutes, no tools).

Seasonal · 3 min read · By the OutToday team

The first cold night is a bad time to find out your furnace has a problem. This checklist takes about ten minutes and needs no tools.

The checklist

1. Replace or check the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes the furnace work harder. Check your system's recommended size and replace it on schedule.
2. Clear the area around the furnace. Keep boxes, paint, and anything flammable well away from the unit.
3. Open and uncover the vents and registers. Make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains aren't blocking them.
4. Check the thermostat. Replace the batteries if it uses them, and confirm it's set to heat.
5. Run the furnace. Turn the heat on and let it go through a full cycle. Listen for unusual noises and note any odd smells (a brief dusty smell on the first run of the season is normal).
6. Check the outdoor vent. For high-efficiency furnaces, look at the PVC intake and exhaust pipes outside and clear away leaves, debris, or anything blocking them.
7. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries and replace any detector past its expiration date.

When to call a professional

• The furnace won't start, or starts and shuts off
• You hear grinding, banging, or squealing
• The pilot or ignition keeps failing
• You notice uneven heating or rising gas bills
• You have any suspicion of a carbon monoxide problem, in which case leave the home and call 911 first

A tune-up is worth it

A professional tune-up includes cleaning and safety checks that you can't do with no tools, including checking the heat exchanger and combustion. Scheduling it in the fall, before the rush, gives you a better chance of a convenient appointment.