Your furnace is one of the hardest-working systems in your home. In the middle of winter, it keeps your family warm and comfortable. But here’s the truth: even the best furnaces—like a Goodman 60,000–80,000 BTU Ultra-Low NOx model—won’t stay efficient or reliable unless you take care of them.
👉 With regular maintenance, a Goodman furnace can last 15–20 years or more. Skip maintenance, and you might cut that lifespan in half.
I’ve been maintaining my own Goodman furnace for years, and in this guide, I’ll share the seasonal routine I follow, the DIY tasks homeowners can handle, and the times when you should always call a pro.
🧹 Filter Changes: The First Line of Defense
If you do nothing else, change your furnace filter.
Why Filters Matter
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Filters keep dust, dirt, and pet hair from clogging your furnace.
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A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the blower motor to work harder.
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Poor airflow means higher energy bills and uneven heating.
My Routine
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I check my filter once a month.
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I replace it every 1–3 months, depending on how dirty it is.
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With pets in the house, I lean closer to monthly changes.
Filter Options
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Fiberglass filters: Cheapest, but only catch large particles.
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Pleated filters: Better for dust, pollen, and allergens.
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High-MERV filters: Great for air quality but can strain airflow if ducts aren’t sized properly.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I use a pleated filter—it balances cost and performance. Every month I pull it out, hold it up to the light, and if I can’t see through it, it’s time to change.”
Energy Star recommends checking filters monthly.
🌬️ Blower and Motor Care
The blower motor is the heart of your Goodman furnace, pushing warm air through your ducts.
Why It Needs Care
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Dust and lint buildup reduce airflow.
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A dirty blower motor overheats and can fail prematurely.
My Routine
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Every spring and fall, I vacuum out the blower compartment with a shop vac.
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I check the motor for dust buildup and make sure it spins freely.
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I listen for unusual noises—grinding, squealing, or rattling.
👉 Tony’s Tip:
“If you’re handy, you can clean the blower wheel with a brush and mild detergent. Just make sure the power is off. Otherwise, leave deep cleaning to the pros.”
HVAC.com explains blower maintenance basics here.
🔥 Burner & Flame Sensor
Your Goodman furnace’s burners ignite the natural gas, and the flame sensor ensures it burns safely.
Burners
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Dirt or rust buildup can cause incomplete combustion.
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Symptoms: yellow flames (instead of blue) or uneven heating.
Flame Sensor
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A dirty flame sensor can cause the furnace to shut down early.
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Cleaning is simple: remove the sensor, gently rub with an emery cloth, and reinstall.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“Every fall before heating season, I check the burners. I want to see a strong blue flame. If it’s yellow, I call a pro to adjust it.”
Family Handyman shows how to clean a flame sensor.
📏 Thermostat Calibration
Even the best furnace won’t keep you comfortable if the thermostat isn’t accurate.
My Routine
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Test thermostat settings at the start of heating season.
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Compare the displayed temp to a reliable thermometer.
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If it’s off, recalibrate or replace the thermostat.
Smart Upgrade
I added a smart thermostat to my Goodman system. It:
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Learns my schedule.
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Lets me control the furnace from my phone.
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Tracks energy use and savings.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“My old thermostat was fine, but the smart one paid for itself in a couple of years. Fewer wasted heating hours means lower bills.”
Energy.gov covers smart thermostat benefits.
📜 Annual Professional Check
There are some things only a licensed HVAC tech should handle.
What They Do During a Tune-Up
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Inspect and clean burners.
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Test gas pressure.
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Check the heat exchanger for cracks (a safety must).
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Inspect electrical connections.
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Verify carbon monoxide levels.
Cost
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Around $100–$200 for a standard tune-up.
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Worth every penny for safety and efficiency.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“Every fall, I schedule a pro tune-up. I can handle filters and cleaning, but I want an expert checking the heat exchanger. Carbon monoxide isn’t something you mess around with.”
Furnace maintenance guide recommends annual service.
🍂 Seasonal Checklist
Here’s the routine I follow year-round to keep my Goodman furnace running like new:
🍁 Fall
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Replace filter.
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Clean blower and burners.
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Check thermostat.
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Schedule pro inspection.
❄️ Winter
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Monitor filter monthly.
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Test carbon monoxide detector.
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Keep supply and return vents clear.
🌸 Spring
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Vacuum blower compartment.
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Check ducts for leaks.
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Shut down humidifier if installed.
☀️ Summer
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Cover furnace if in a damp basement.
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Inspect AC condensate line (if shared).
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Plan any ductwork repairs.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I treat my furnace like my truck—regular maintenance keeps it running smooth. Skip it, and you’ll pay for repairs later.”
Energy.gov offers seasonal HVAC maintenance advice.
🛠️ DIY vs. Pro: Knowing the Line
DIY Tasks
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Filter changes.
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Blower compartment vacuuming.
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Flame sensor cleaning.
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Thermostat checks.
Pro Tasks
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Gas line adjustments.
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Heat exchanger inspections.
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Combustion analysis.
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Electrical repairs.
👉 Tony’s Take:
“I like DIY projects, but I know my limits. When it comes to gas or electrical work, I always call a pro.”
📊 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Forgetting filter changes.
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❌ Blocking air vents with furniture or rugs.
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❌ Skipping annual inspections.
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❌ Ignoring strange noises or smells.
👉 Tony’s Warning:
“That little rattle you ignore in December can turn into a $1,000 repair by February. Don’t wait.”
🎯 Final Takeaway
Keeping your Goodman furnace running smooth doesn’t take much—it just takes consistency.
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Change your filters regularly.
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Clean the blower and burners seasonally.
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Keep your thermostat accurate.
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Always schedule a pro inspection once a year.
👉 Tony’s Advice:
“A little maintenance goes a long way. My Goodman furnace runs like new because I stick to the routine. Do the basics, call the pros when needed, and you’ll get decades of reliable heat.”
In the next topic we will know more about: Warranty & Lifespan: What to Expect from a Goodman 80 AFUE Furnace
