Let’s Talk Furnace TLC
Hey folks—Mike here. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a freezing house in January, only to find a clogged filter or a filthy burner. Truth is, regular maintenance is the unsung hero of furnace performance.
Especially with high-efficiency R-32 gas furnaces, you’ve got to treat them right. These systems are fine-tuned machines, and a little TLC goes a long way.
So here’s how to keep yours humming all winter long.
📅 Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a simple checklist to follow each fall before the heating season kicks into high gear:
✅ 1. Change Your Air Filter (Every 1–3 Months)
This one’s easy and makes a big difference. A dirty filter chokes airflow, which can cause overheating, poor combustion, and early breakdowns.
Pro tip: Choose a MERV 8–11 filter to balance filtration and airflow.
✅ 2. Check the Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is working properly and set to “heat.” If you’re using a smart thermostat, update firmware and settings to match your schedule.
✅ 3. Inspect Vents and Registers
Make sure all vents are open and unblocked. You wouldn’t believe how many folks close vents thinking they’re saving energy. (Spoiler alert: They’re not.)
✅ 4. Clear the Intake and Exhaust Pipes
Modern R-32 furnaces use sealed combustion, pulling in outside air and exhausting through PVC pipes. Make sure those pipes are free of leaves, snow, or bird nests.
🧽 Deep Cleaning Tips (Once a Year)
If you’re comfortable with a screwdriver, you can do some basic internal cleaning:
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Turn off power and gas
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Remove the burner cover
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Use a soft brush and vacuum to clean:
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Burners
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Blower motor
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Flame sensor
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Wipe down sensors with steel wool or emery cloth
⚠️ If you’re unsure about any of this, call a pro. It’s better to be safe than frozen.
🧰 Schedule a Pro Tune-Up
At least once a year, bring in a certified HVAC technician to do a full inspection. They’ll check:
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Combustion and gas pressure
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Heat exchanger integrity (to catch cracks)
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Carbon monoxide levels
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Draft inducer operation
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Blower motor amps and capacitor condition
Most techs also inspect and clean the condensate drain, which can clog over time and shut down high-efficiency furnaces.
Don’t Ignore the AC Side
If you’ve paired your furnace with an R-32 air conditioner, don’t forget that your blower and filter also serve the cooling system.
Clean coils, change filters, and check refrigerant lines in spring to get ahead of the summer rush.
Helpful Resources to Stay Ahead
Mike’s Final Word
Maintenance isn’t about being fancy—it’s about protecting your investment. You spent good money on a high-efficiency R-32 gas furnace, so make sure it pays you back for years to come.
It doesn’t take much—just a filter here, a vacuum there, and a little attention once a season.
If you’re not sure where to start, give your local HVAC pro a call—or reach out to The Furnace Outlet team. We’ve got your back.
Stay warm and take care of your gear,
– Mike
In the next topic read about: What Size R-32 Gas Furnace Do You Need? Mike Breaks It Down
