The Ultimate Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Your Goodman 96% AFUE

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How to keep your furnace efficient, safe, and problem-free—season after season

When you invest in a high-efficiency furnace like the Goodman 96% AFUE 80,000 BTU model, you’re buying reliability—but only if you maintain it properly. Furnaces don’t fail randomly. They fail because of missed maintenance, dirty components, or small issues that snowball into expensive breakdowns.

This guide is your season-by-season maintenance playbook, written for homeowners who want fewer service calls, lower gas bills, and longer equipment life—without doing anything unsafe or over their heads.

Let’s break it down the way Tony would.

🧠 Why Seasonal Maintenance Actually Matters (More Than You Think)

A 96% AFUE furnace is engineered to squeeze nearly all usable heat out of natural gas. That efficiency depends on:

Clean airflow
Proper combustion
Accurate sensors
Unrestricted exhaust

Skip maintenance, and efficiency drops fast—sometimes 10–20% without you noticing until the bill shows up.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper HVAC maintenance can reduce energy consumption by up to 15% annually.

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-heating-systems

❄️ Fall Maintenance Checklist (Pre-Heating Season)

This is the most important maintenance window of the year. Do these before the first cold night.

🧰 Replace or Inspect the Furnace Filter

Replace disposable filters (or clean reusable ones)
Use the correct size and MERV rating (usually MERV 8–11)
Never run the furnace without a filter installed

Dirty filters = restricted airflow = overheated heat exchanger.

🔌 Inspect Power, Breakers & Furnace Switch

Verify the service switch is ON
Check circuit breakers
Look for frayed or loose wiring (do not touch exposed wiring)

If the furnace loses power intermittently, that’s not “normal.”

🔥 Inspect the Burner Flames

With the access panel on:

Flames should be steady and blue
Yellow or flickering flames indicate combustion issues

If flames look off, stop and call a pro.

🔗 Goodman combustion guidance:
https://www.goodmanmfg.com/resources/hvac-learning-center

🧪 Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install CO detectors on every level of your home
Replace batteries annually
Test before heating season starts

This is non-negotiable safety maintenance.

🔗 CDC CO safety guidance:
https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

🌬️ Inspect Intake & Exhaust PVC Pipes

High-efficiency furnaces rely on clear venting.

Check for blockages, sagging, or cracked PVC
Ensure outdoor exhaust isn’t obstructed by leaves or nests

Restricted exhaust can shut the furnace down—or worse.

🔥 Winter Maintenance Checklist (During Heavy Use)

Once the furnace is running daily, maintenance shifts to monitoring and light upkeep.

📊 Monitor Performance Weekly

Pay attention to:

Unusual noises
Short cycling (on/off frequently)
Uneven heating between rooms

These are early warning signs—not quirks.

🧼 Inspect Filter Monthly

During winter, filters clog faster.

Check every 30 days
Replace as needed

A $15 filter can protect a $4,000 furnace.

🌡️ Verify Thermostat Accuracy

Compare thermostat reading to room temperature
Replace thermostat batteries yearly
Confirm proper heating cycles

A faulty thermostat can mimic furnace failure.

🌸 Spring Maintenance Checklist (Post-Heating Season)

Spring is about preventing corrosion and wear during downtime.

🧹 Clean the Furnace Interior (Light Cleaning Only)

Vacuum visible dust (no water, no chemicals)
Clean around—not inside—sensitive components

Never remove sealed combustion parts.

🌀 Inspect the Blower Compartment

Look for dust buildup
Listen for bearing noise
Check mounting bolts for looseness

A dirty blower reduces airflow and efficiency.

🔍 Inspect Condensate Drain System

High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation.

Ensure drain line is clear
Check for leaks or algae buildup

Clogged drains can shut the furnace down mid-season.

🔗 EPA HVAC moisture guidance:

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/moisture-control-guidance-building-design-construction-and-maintenance-0

☀️ Summer Maintenance Checklist (Off-Season Protection)

Your furnace still needs attention—even when it’s “off.”

📴 Power Down (If Recommended)

Switch furnace to OFF if AC system allows
Prevent unnecessary electrical wear

Check your system configuration first.

🐭 Check for Pests & Nesting

Rodents love warm, unused spaces.

Inspect wiring and insulation
Seal entry points

This alone prevents many fall breakdowns.

📅 Schedule Annual Professional Inspection

Even DIY-savvy homeowners should schedule:

Heat exchanger inspection
Gas pressure check
Combustion analysis

Most manufacturers expect annual service to maintain warranty compliance.

🔗 Goodman warranty info: https://www.goodmanmfg.com/warranty-information

🧾 What Homeowners SHOULD Do vs. Leave to Pros

✅ Safe DIY Maintenance

Filter changes
Visual inspections
CO detector testing
Thermostat checks

❌ Pro-Only Tasks

Gas valve adjustments
Heat exchanger inspection
Combustion testing
Control board diagnostics

If it involves gas, flame, or sealed components—call it in.

💰 What Skipping Maintenance Actually Costs

Issue	Result
Dirty filter	10–15% higher gas bills
Blocked exhaust	Furnace shutdown
Ignored flame sensor	No heat on cold nights
Missed CO testing	Serious safety risk

Preventive maintenance always costs less than emergency repair.

🏁 Final Word from Tony

Your Goodman 96% AFUE furnace is built to run hard, efficiently, and safely—but only if you do your part. Seasonal maintenance isn’t about being “handy.” It’s about being prepared.

Follow this checklist, stay ahead of small issues, and your furnace will reward you with: