When the crisp fall air settles over Sonoma County, most homeowners start relying on their furnaces again. The last thing you want is a breakdown on the first cold night in Santa Rosa or Napa. That’s why seasonal maintenance is so important. At Jazz Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, we’ve put together this ultimate fall checklist to keep your furnace safe, efficient, and ready for the cooler months ahead.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Your furnace filter traps dust, pollen, and other particles. A clogged filter makes your system work harder and reduces indoor air quality.
- Check your filter at the start of fall.
- Replace disposable filters, or wash reusable ones.
- For homes near the Russian River or in wildfire-prone areas, filters often need changing more often.
2. Test Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the command center of your heating system.
- Switch it to “heat” mode and raise the temperature a few degrees.
- Listen for the furnace to kick on.
- If there’s a delay or no response, the issue may be with the thermostat or the furnace itself.
Pro tip: Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat before winter for better comfort and energy savings.
3. Inspect Vents and Registers
Blocked vents can make rooms unevenly heated and strain your system.
- Walk through your home and clear any furniture, rugs, or curtains covering vents.
- Check registers for dust and vacuum them if needed.
4. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
DIY steps help, but nothing replaces a professional inspection. A technician from Jazz can:
- Inspect burners and heat exchangers.
- Check gas connections and carbon monoxide levels.
- Lubricate moving parts and test safety controls.
- Make small adjustments that improve efficiency and extend your furnace’s lifespan.
Local note: In older Healdsburg and Petaluma homes, gas furnaces often run more efficiently after a professional cleaning and adjustment.
5. Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Your furnace needs breathing room. Make sure boxes, laundry, or household items aren’t crowding the unit. Not only does this improve efficiency, but it also reduces fire hazards.
6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detector
Any fuel-burning appliance carries a risk of carbon monoxide leaks. Test your detectors and replace batteries before winter. If you don’t have detectors, now is the time to install them near sleeping areas.
7. Seal Drafts Around Your Home
Even the best furnace can’t keep up if warm air is escaping. Inspect doors and windows for gaps and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. This helps keep heating costs lower during Sonoma’s cool, damp nights.
Keep Warm All Season Long
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your furnace before the temperatures drop. By following this checklist, you’ll improve efficiency, lower utility bills, and avoid unexpected breakdowns. And if you want a professional to make sure your system is truly ready, the team atJazz Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing is here for you.
Call Jazz Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing in Santa Rosa today to schedule your furnace tune-up and start the season with confidence.