Your Goodman 96 AFUE furnace is designed to deliver reliable, efficient heating for 15–20 years or more — but only if you give it the care it needs. High-efficiency furnaces, like Goodman’s 96% AFUE models, rely on clean filters, a well-maintained blower, and seasonal attention to keep operating at peak performance.
As Savvy, I’ll walk you through the maintenance habits every homeowner should follow to save money, extend furnace life, and keep your home’s air clean and safe.
🔑 Why Furnace Maintenance Matters
You’ve already invested in a high-efficiency system. Skipping maintenance is like buying a fuel-efficient car and never changing the oil — performance will suffer, and your bills will rise.
Benefits of regular maintenance:
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Energy savings: Dirty filters, clogged blowers, and leaks can reduce efficiency by 10–30%.
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Extended lifespan: Well-maintained furnaces can last 20+ years.
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Fewer repairs: Preventative care stops small issues from becoming expensive breakdowns.
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Better air quality: Clean filters and blowers keep dust and allergens out of your air.
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Warranty protection: Goodman’s warranty may require proof of annual professional maintenance.
📖 According to Energy.gov, regular furnace maintenance can reduce energy costs and keep your system running at its rated efficiency.
🪣 Filter Care: Your #1 Maintenance Task
The air filter is the heart of your maintenance routine. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your Goodman furnace work harder and use more gas.
How often to check & replace filters
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Check every month during peak heating or cooling season.
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Replace every 1–3 months, depending on filter type and home conditions.
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Homes with pets, allergies, or high dust should replace monthly.
Choosing the right filter
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Goodman furnaces typically use disposable pleated filters.
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Check your model’s filter size — using the wrong size reduces efficiency.
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High-MERV filters (11–13) trap more particles but may restrict airflow. Stick with what your HVAC tech recommends.
Washable vs. disposable filters
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Washable: Eco-friendly, reusable, but require monthly cleaning and drying.
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Disposable: Convenient, affordable, and highly effective — but create waste.
💡 Savvy’s Tip: “Set calendar reminders to check your filter monthly. It’s the easiest way to keep your furnace efficient and your bills low.”
📖 ENERGY STAR recommends regular filter replacement as the single most important furnace maintenance step.
⚙️ Blower & Motor Maintenance
Your blower motor is responsible for pushing warm air through your ducts. If it’s dirty or struggling, your whole system suffers.
Annual DIY blower care
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Shut off power to the furnace.
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Remove the blower access panel.
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Vacuum dust and debris from the blower housing.
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Check belts for cracks (if applicable).
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Wipe fan blades carefully.
Signs your blower needs attention
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Weak airflow from vents.
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Grinding or squealing noises.
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Furnace short-cycles (turns on/off rapidly).
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Higher utility bills without weather changes.
Professional service
Once a year, your HVAC technician should:
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Lubricate motor bearings (if not sealed).
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Check amperage draw against manufacturer specs.
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Inspect capacitor and electrical connections.
📖 Consumer Reports notes that blowers are a top failure point in furnaces — maintenance keeps them running smoothly.
🍂 Seasonal Care Checklist
Furnace maintenance isn’t just once a year — different tasks matter in different seasons.
Fall: Pre-Heating Season Prep
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✅ Replace or clean filter.
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✅ Test thermostat settings.
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✅ Clear vents and registers of dust and blockages.
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✅ Schedule a professional inspection before first use.
Winter: Active Heating Season
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✅ Monitor airflow for consistency.
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✅ Listen for unusual noises.
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✅ Keep at least 3 feet of clear space around the furnace.
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✅ Replace filters monthly.
Spring: After Heating Season
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✅ Shut off furnace switch.
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✅ Vacuum dust around furnace.
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✅ Inspect condensate drain for clogs.
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✅ Replace filter one last time if shared with central AC.
Summer: Off-Season
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✅ Check air filters monthly if AC uses same blower.
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✅ Dust furnace area.
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✅ Prep for fall with a fresh filter.
💡 Savvy’s Tip: “Think of furnace maintenance like seasonal wardrobe changes. Each season has its checklist — don’t skip it.”
📖 Energy.gov emphasizes seasonal tune-ups as key to long-term performance.
🔍 When to Call a Pro
Not everything is a DIY job. Goodman furnaces should be inspected by a licensed HVAC pro once a year.
Annual professional tasks include:
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Combustion analysis and CO test.
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Heat exchanger inspection for cracks.
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Gas line pressure check.
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Duct leakage test (if needed).
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Efficiency verification (confirm ~96% AFUE performance).
Call a pro if you notice:
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Odd smells (burning or gas).
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Banging or rattling sounds.
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Short cycling (turns on/off too frequently).
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Spiking bills without colder weather.
📖 Goodman Warranty Guide highlights that neglecting professional maintenance can void coverage.
📉 Maintenance Costs vs. Repair Costs
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Annual tune-up: $100–$200 (HomeAdvisor).
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Filter replacements: $10–$40 every 1–3 months.
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Blower cleaning: DIY = free, pro service = ~$100.
Compare that to:
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Blower motor replacement: $500–$1,500.
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Heat exchanger replacement: $1,000–$2,000.
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Full furnace replacement: $3,500–$6,500.
💡 Savvy’s Tip: “Spending $150 a year on maintenance saves thousands in avoidable repairs.”
🌱 Savvy’s Maintenance Hacks
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Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter around the furnace monthly.
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Mark filter change dates on the filter itself with a Sharpie.
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Bundle AC + furnace tune-ups in fall or spring for lower service call fees.
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Install a smart thermostat to monitor run times and alert you to airflow issues.
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Sign up for a contractor’s maintenance plan for discounts and priority service.
🔭 Final Word from Savvy
Maintaining your Goodman 96 AFUE furnace doesn’t have to be complicated. With monthly filter changes, seasonal checklists, and one professional visit a year, you’ll keep your furnace:
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Running at 96% AFUE efficiency.
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Saving you hundreds per year in fuel.
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Lasting 15–20 years or more.
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Providing clean, safe, reliable heat all winter.
Think of it this way: A few minutes of attention each month, plus a yearly check-up, equals decades of dependable comfort.
