Your furnace works hard every winter to keep your Bay Area home warm and comfortable. While professional maintenance is always recommended annually, there are several simple, safe DIY steps you can take to keep your system running efficiently between service visits.
At Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, we want our customers in Contra Costa, Alameda, and San Francisco counties to understand how their system works — and how a few quick checks can prevent costly repairs.
🌬️ Why DIY Furnace Maintenance Matters
Routine maintenance keeps your system:
• ✅ Running safely
• ✅ Operating efficiently (lower energy bills!)
• ✅ Lasting longer (10–20 years with care)
• ✅ Producing cleaner indoor air
Even if you plan to schedule a professional tune-up, doing your own quick inspection a few times a year helps catch small issues before they turn into big problems.
🔎 Step 1: Locate and Clean (or Replace) the Furnace Filter
The air filter is your furnace’s first line of defense against dust and debris. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making the furnace work harder — which can lead to higher energy bills, poor heating performance, or even system failure.
🧭 Where to Find the Filter
Most furnaces have the filter located in one of these spots:
• Inside the blower compartment
• Behind the lower furnace door
• In the return air grille (large vent inside your home)
• In the filter rack next to the furnace or air handler
If you’re unsure, check your furnace manual or look for arrows showing “airflow direction.”
🧹 How to Clean or Replace It
1. Turn off the furnace at the thermostat and breaker.
2. Remove the old filter carefully.
3. If it’s disposable, note the size printed on the frame (e.g., 16×25×1) and replace it with the same size.
4. If it’s a reusable or washable filter, rinse it gently with water and mild soap, let it dry completely, and reinstall.
5. Insert the new or cleaned filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace.
👉 Tip: Replace or clean your filter every 1–3 months depending on usage, pets, and dust levels.
💧 Step 2: Clean the Furnace Condensate Drain Line
If you have a high-efficiency gas furnace or heat pump, it produces condensation during operation. That water drains through a PVC pipe or clear tubing into a drain or pump. Over time, this line can clog with algae, dirt, or sediment — leading to leaks or system shutdowns.
🪣 How to Clean the Drain Line
1. Turn off the furnace power and locate the white PVC drain line.
2. Disconnect the line where possible or open the small cap on the “T” fitting.
3. Mix a solution of one cup of white vinegar with one cup of warm water.
4. Slowly pour it through the line or fitting.
5. Let it sit for 30 minutes to dissolve buildup.
6. Flush with clean water to ensure it drains freely.
Pro tip: Do this twice a year — before and after heating season — to prevent mold and clogs.
🧽 Step 3: Clean Around the Furnace Area
Your furnace needs unobstructed airflow to operate safely. Dust, boxes, and clutter near the unit can block airflow and even become a fire hazard.
Checklist:
• Keep at least 2–3 feet of clearance around the furnace.
• Vacuum dust, pet hair, and lint around the base.
• Wipe down exterior panels with a dry or slightly damp cloth (never use water inside).
• Make sure all supply and return vents in your home are open and unobstructed by furniture or curtains.
🌡️ Step 4: Inspect the Thermostat and System Operation
Sometimes, performance issues are caused by the thermostat — not the furnace itself.
✅ Check your thermostat batteries (replace annually).
✅ Make sure it’s set to HEAT mode.
✅ Verify that it’s maintaining temperature without large fluctuations.
✅ For smart thermostats, ensure your Wi-Fi and schedule settings are correct.
If your furnace is cycling on and off frequently or blowing cool air, there may be a deeper issue requiring professional diagnosis.
⚙️ Step 5: Visual Safety Inspection
Perform a quick visual check of the system components once or twice a season.
Look for:
• Rust or corrosion on the furnace cabinet or vent pipe
• Water around the base of the unit
• Loose or frayed wires
• Burn marks or melted insulation
• Unusual odors (burning or chemical smells)
If you notice any of these, turn off the system and call Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning right away.
🚫 When to Stop DIY and Call a Professional
While basic filter changes and cleaning are safe for homeowners, certain tasks should always be left to certified HVAC technicians.
Call a professional if:
• Your furnace won’t turn on
• You smell gas or burning plastic
• The blower runs constantly
• You hear grinding, banging, or squealing noises
• The pilot light is yellow (not blue)
• Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are triggered
These signs indicate potential issues with the blower motor, heat exchanger, or combustion system, which require professional tools and safety checks.
🧑🔧 Why Professional Maintenance Still Matters
A DIY routine is helpful, but only a professional technician can:
• Measure gas pressure and carbon monoxide levels
• Inspect and clean burners and flame sensors
• Test electrical components and safety switches
• Check for leaks in ducts and venting
• Verify proper combustion and airflow
At Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, our certified HVAC specialists perform a complete 21-point heating system tune-up to ensure your furnace runs safely and efficiently all winter.
🌟 Keep Your Furnace Running Strong with Galaxy
Whether you’re maintaining your system yourself or need a full professional tune-up, Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning is your trusted Bay Area partner for year-round comfort.
We proudly serve Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, Livermore, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco.
📞 Call (925) 578-3293 or visit GalaxyServices.com to schedule your $49.99 heating maintenance special today!