Fall is the perfect time to show your furnace some love. The leaves go gold, the nights get crisp, and before you know it—winter shows up with both boots on. A quick, smart tune-up now means warmer rooms, lower energy bills, and fewer surprise repairs when the temps drop.
Why Tune Up in Fall (Not January)
- Beat the rush. Techs book fast once the first cold snap hits.
- Catch small issues early. Igniters, sensors, and belts are cheaper to fix now than mid-blizzard.
- Save money all winter. A clean, well-tuned furnace runs more efficiently, which helps your utility bill.
Your Pre-Winter Furnace Checklist
- Change the filter. The simplest win: replace every 1–3 months (pets, dust, and inversions = more frequent).
- Test the thermostat. Bump heat a few degrees; confirm the furnace fires, cycles, and shuts off properly.
- Clear the area. Give your furnace 3 feet of breathing room—no boxes, paint cans, or laundry piles.
- Check supply/return vents. Open, vacuumed, and unobstructed for balanced airflow.
- Inspect the condensate line (high-efficiency units). Make sure it’s clear and draining.
- Replace humidifier pads (if installed). Utah’s dry air is tough on seals and skin—keep humidity in range.
- Test carbon monoxide detectors. Press and hold to test; replace batteries now.
Pro tip: If you haven’t run the furnace in months, the first heat can have a light “burnt dust” smell for a short time. If it persists or smells electrical/chemical, shut it down and call a pro.
What a Pro Checks During a Tune-Up
- Ignition & flame sensors for reliable starts
- Blower motor & belt (lubrication, alignment, amperage)
- Heat exchanger & flue for cracks or blockages (safety first)
- Gas pressure & combustion (efficiency and safety)
- Electrical connections and limit switches
- Static pressure & airflow for even heating room-to-room
DIY vs. Call a Pro
- DIY: Filters, thermostat tests, clearing space, vent vacuuming.
- Call a Pro: No heat, frequent short cycling, unusual noises/smells, or CO detector alerts. Also call for annual tune-ups—you’ll extend equipment life and catch issues early.
How a Home Warranty Helps
Furnace repairs can range from a few hundred to thousands for major components. A home warranty helps offset covered repair costs from normal wear and tear and gives you a single point of contact for service. Some SilverBack plans include annual HVAC tune-ups, so you can get ahead of winter with less hassle.
Good to know: A home warranty doesn’t replace maintenance. Pre-existing issues and maintenance-only tasks (like filter changes) aren’t covered. See your service contract for coverage, limits, and trade call fees.
Utah-Specific Tips
- Altitude matters. High elevation can affect combustion; a pro can dial in gas pressure and confirm performance.
- Dry climate = more filter changes. Dust, pets, and inversions clog filters faster—check monthly.
- Seal the envelope. Weather-strip doors/windows and add door sweeps so your efficient furnace isn’t fighting leaks.
Stay Cozy, Spend Less
A one-hour tune-up now beats a no-heat emergency later. Pair routine maintenance with the right home warranty plan and you’ll keep winter surprises (and repair bills) in check.
Call us at 833-750-6400 to compare plans, or Click Here to place an order. We’ve got your back, Utah—fall, winter, and everything in between.