What to do when heating season ends—so your furnace is ready when you need it again
When winter ends, most homeowners flip the thermostat to cool and forget the furnace exists.
80,000 BTU 96% AFUE Upflow/Horizontal Single Stage Goodman Gas Furnace - GR9S960803BN
That’s a mistake.
Spring is actually the best time to take care of your furnace, because:
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It’s not under daily stress
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Small issues are easier to spot
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You’re preventing corrosion, moisture damage, and pest problems
If you want fewer fall breakdowns and longer furnace life, this is the maintenance window you don’t skip.
Here’s how I shut down and protect a furnace the same way I’d do it in my own home.
🧠 Why Spring Furnace Maintenance Matters
During heating season, your furnace deals with:
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Heat expansion and contraction
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Combustion byproducts
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Moisture from high-efficiency operation
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Dust pulled through the system
If you shut it down dirty or neglected, that mess sits there for months.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, preventative HVAC maintenance improves reliability and extends equipment life.
🔗 https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-heating-systems
Spring maintenance is about locking in the good condition you earned over winter.
🔌 Step 1: Power Down the Furnace Properly
Once heating season is truly over:
✔️ What to Do
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Set thermostat to OFF (or COOL if AC is active)
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Turn off the furnace service switch (if recommended for your setup)
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Leave power on if the blower is shared with AC
If you’re unsure, leave the switch ON—never guess.
🧼 Step 2: Replace the Furnace Filter (Even If It Looks OK)
Don’t leave a dirty filter in all summer.
✔️ Why This Matters
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Prevents dust from settling inside the system
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Stops old debris from hardening in place
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Protects the blower during AC operation (if shared)
A clean filter is cheap insurance.
🧹 Step 3: Light Interior Cleaning (No Disassembly)
Spring cleaning should be gentle and visual.
✔️ Safe Tasks
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Vacuum dust around the base of the furnace
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Wipe exterior panels with a dry cloth
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Remove loose debris in the blower compartment without touching components
❌ Do Not
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Spray water or cleaners
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Scrub internal parts
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Remove sealed panels
The EPA warns that improper moisture introduction can lead to corrosion and indoor air quality issues.
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/moisture-control-guidance-building-design-construction-and-maintenance-0
🌬️ Step 4: Inspect Intake & Exhaust Pipes
High-efficiency furnaces rely on clear venting year-round.
✔️ What to Check
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PVC pipes securely connected
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No sagging or cracks
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Outdoor terminations clear of debris
Fixing vent issues in spring avoids no-heat emergencies later.
💧 Step 5: Check the Condensate Drain System
High-efficiency furnaces produce water—even when heating season ends.
✔️ Inspect For
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Standing water
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Algae or slime buildup
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Cracked drain tubing
A clogged drain in summer can cause fall startup failures.
🐭 Step 6: Pest & Nest Prevention (This One Matters)
Warm, quiet furnaces attract:
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Mice
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Insects
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Nesting debris
✔️ Preventative Steps
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Seal obvious openings around the furnace
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Keep the area clean and uncluttered
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Avoid storing cardboard nearby
Rodent damage to wiring is a top off-season failure cause.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights pest-related wiring damage as a common household hazard.
🔍 Step 7: Visual Inspection for Wear or Corrosion
Spring is when issues are easiest to spot.
✔️ Look For
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Rust on cabinet edges
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Corrosion near burners
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Loose wiring or connectors
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Signs of moisture
Document anything unusual so it doesn’t surprise you in fall.
🧪 Step 8: Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Even though the furnace is off, safety doesn’t take the summer off.
✔️ What to Do
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Test all CO detectors
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Replace batteries
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Replace outdated units
The CDC recommends maintaining CO detectors year-round.
🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html
📅 Step 9: Decide on Professional Maintenance Timing
Spring is ideal for professional service.
✔️ Why Spring Is Smart
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Better availability
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Less rush
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Lower chance of emergency pricing
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Issues caught early
Most manufacturers recommend annual professional inspection to maintain warranty coverage.
Goodman warranty guidance:
https://www.goodmanmfg.com/warranty-information
☀️ Step 10: Summer Storage Best Practices
You’re not “storing” the furnace—but you are protecting it.
✔️ Best Practices
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Keep area dry and ventilated
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Don’t cover the furnace
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Avoid chemical storage nearby
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Check it once mid-summer
A quick look prevents surprises.
❌ Common Spring Shutdown Mistakes
Avoid these:
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Leaving dirty filters installed
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Ignoring condensate drains
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Blocking intake/exhaust pipes
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Using the furnace as storage shelving
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Skipping inspection entirely
These mistakes show up as breakdowns in October.
💰 What Proper Spring Shutdown Saves You
| Issue Prevented | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Moisture corrosion | Longer equipment life |
| Pest damage | Avoids electrical failures |
| Dirty startup | Faster, safer fall operation |
| Missed wear | Lower repair costs |
Preventative care always costs less than emergency service.
🧾 Tony’s Seasonal Rule
Here’s how I keep it simple:
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Clean it
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Check it
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Protect it
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Document it
That’s it.
You don’t need to overthink furnace maintenance—you just need to do it at the right time.
🏁 Final Word from Tony
Spring isn’t just the end of heating season—it’s your best chance to protect your furnace before it sits idle for months.
A little attention now means:
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Faster fall startup
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Fewer surprise repairs
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Longer system life
Handle it right, and your furnace will be ready when winter comes knocking again.
That’s how pros stay ahead.
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In the next topic we will know more about: How to Use Your Maintenance Tool Kit Like a Pro (Step-by-Step)
