Fall Furnace Tune-Up Checklist
March 20, 20264 min read
A 10-point checklist to get your furnace ready before the first cold morning hits the Sacramento Valley.
Sacramento winters aren't Minnesota — but those 35°F mornings in December still bite, especially when your furnace decides to quit. A quick fall tune-up keeps your system running safely all season.
What I check on every tune-up - Replace or clean the air filter - Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks (carbon monoxide risk) - Test the flame sensor and clean if needed - Check the igniter and burner assembly - Verify gas pressure - Test the blower motor amp draw - Inspect electrical connections and tighten as needed - Check thermostat calibration - Test safety controls and limit switches - Measure temperature rise across the system
Why it matters A furnace that's been ignored for 3+ years is far more likely to fail on the coldest night of the year — that's just how it works. Dust builds up, sensors get dirty, and small problems become big ones.
DIY between tune-ups Change your filter every 1-3 months during heating season. Keep the area around your furnace clear (don't store boxes or chemicals next to it). And if you smell gas — leave the house and call PG&E from outside, then call me.
Book a tune-up: (916) 585-6277.