Maintaining Your 100,000 BTU R-32 Gas Furnace: Mark’s Seasonal Checklist

1. 🔍 Why Seasonal Maintenance Pays Off

When I bought my 100,000 BTU R-32-compatible gas furnace, I thought I could “set it and forget it.”

That’s until I almost had a mid-winter breakdown because of a cracked igniter—caught just in time during a fall tune-up.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Seasonal maintenance keeps your furnace running at peak efficiency.

• For R-32-compatible systems, it’s even more important, since your AC or heat pump shares components like the evaporator coil.

• Skipping maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, safety risks, and costly repairs.

“It’s like getting your car oil changed—you can put it off, but you’ll pay for it later.”

---

2. ❄ Winter – Peak Heating Season

During winter, your furnace works hardest. This is when daily reliability matters most.

Mark’s Winter Checklist:

• Check filter monthly and replace if dirty.

  • Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder and wasting gas (EnergyStar Filter Tips).

• Listen for new noises (whistling, banging, or rumbling).

  • Could indicate duct leaks, loose panels, or blower issues.

• Check carbon monoxide (CO) detectors weekly.

  • Furnaces produce combustion gases—CO leaks can be deadly 

• Monitor your gas bill for sudden spikes.

  • May indicate declining efficiency or gas leaks.

Pro Tip: If your furnace short cycles (turns on/off rapidly), it may be a thermostat issue, clogged filter, or oversized unit.

---

3. 🌱 Spring – Transition to Cooling Mode

Spring is the perfect time to recover from winter wear and prepare for AC season.

Mark’s Spring Checklist:

• Full post-winter inspection (by a pro if possible).

  • Includes checking burners, heat exchanger, and safety switches.

• Clean blower motor and housing.

  • Dust buildup reduces efficiency and airflow.

• Inspect & clean R-32 coil (if paired with AC/heat pump).

  • A dirty coil lowers cooling performance (DOE Coil Cleaning Guide).

• Seal duct leaks.

  • Save up to 20% on heating/cooling costs (Energy.gov Duct Sealing).

---

4. ☀ Summer – Off-Season Furnace Care

Even in summer, your furnace matters—especially if it houses the blower for your R-32 AC.

Mark’s Summer Checklist:

• Keep furnace area clear.

  • Store chemicals, paint, and flammable items elsewhere.

• Check condensate drains (for high-efficiency models).

  • Prevents mold and water damage.

• Inspect R-32 refrigerant lines.

  • Look for signs of wear, insulation damage, or corrosion

• Test thermostat calibration.

  • Ensures accurate temperature control for both heating and cooling.

---

5. 🍂 Fall – Preparing for Heating Season

Fall is tune-up season—don’t wait until the first cold night to discover issues.

Mark’s Fall Checklist:

• Professional tune-up & safety inspection.

  • Many manufacturers require annual service for warranty validity.

• Test ignition system and burners.

  • Clean or replace as needed.

• Lubricate moving parts.

  • Reduces motor wear.

• Verify venting & flue.

  • Ensures safe exhaust of combustion gases.

My HVAC tech uses a combustion analyzer to fine-tune fuel-air mix for maximum efficiency—worth the cost.

---

6. 🛠 R-32 Specific Maintenance Tips

R-32 is an A2L refrigerant—mildly flammable and highly efficient. Even though your gas furnace doesn’t circulate refrigerant, its cooling coil may.

Maintenance musts:

• Leak detection with proper sensors

• Charge checks every 2–3 years for cooling performance.

• R-32 certified technicians only

---

7. 📋 Mark’s Yearly Maintenance Budget

---

8. 📊 Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

1. Neglecting coil cleaning – Can reduce cooling efficiency by 15%.

2. Skipping fall tune-up – Leads to mid-winter failures.

3. Wrong filter size/MERV – Too restrictive = strain on blower.

4. DIY refrigerant work – Illegal without certification and dangerous for A2L refrigerants.

---

Mark’s Final Word:

“Maintenance is cheaper than repair. If you follow a seasonal checklist, you’ll get better comfort, lower bills, and peace of mind—especially with R-32 systems that require extra attention to refrigerant safety.”

In the next topic we will read more about: How Well Do R-32 Gas Furnaces Perform in Cold Climates? Real-World Winter Heating Tests