Furnace Maintenance Checklist for Michigan Winters

A Michigan winter will test every part of your heating system. Preparing your furnace before the first true cold snap can save money, reduce breakdowns, and keep your family safe. This step‑by‑step checklist is written for homeowners in Jackson and surrounding Mid‑Michigan communities and focuses on tasks you can accomplish yourself, plus the professional checks we recommend before heavy use.

Start with airflow. A clogged or low‑quality filter makes your furnace work harder and can cause limit trips, short cycling, higher gas usage, and comfort issues. Replace your filter at the start of the season and every 1–3 months thereafter depending on your home and filter type. If you have a media cabinet, confirm the door seals fully and the arrow on the filter points toward the furnace. Good airflow protects the heat exchanger and blower motor while improving indoor air quality.

Next, inspect supply and return vents. These need free space for proper circulation. Walk your home and clear rugs, curtains, or furniture from both the large return grilles and the smaller supply registers. In unfinished basements, look for crushed or disconnected flex, open seams, or gaps at the plenum that could pull dusty, cold air into the system. Small duct repairs or sealing can produce big comfort gains and shorten run times.

Thermostat checks are quick but crucial. Verify date, time, and schedule are correct and the thermostat is on HEAT. Replace batteries annually, even if it hasn’t warned you—they often fail on the first frigid night. For smart thermostats, update firmware and confirm your Wi‑Fi network is stable so you don’t lose remote control or energy reporting features.

Housekeeping around the furnace matters for safety. Keep three feet of clear space around the unit and water heater. Don’t store paint, gasoline, or chemicals nearby. Make sure the furnace switch is on and the breaker is clearly labeled. If your system has PVC intake and exhaust venting, step outside and make sure the terminations are clear of leaves, nests, or snow drifts; restricted venting can create dangerous conditions and cause fault codes.

Now for professional care. A licensed technician will inspect the burners, flame sensor, hot surface ignitor, gas pressure, blower wheel balance, condensate trap (on high‑efficiency models), pressure switches, and safeties. They’ll also measure temperature rise and static pressure to ensure the system is operating within manufacturer specifications. These readings help catch small issues—like a weak capacitor or partially plugged secondary heat exchanger—before they become mid‑winter emergencies.

Consider add‑ons that improve comfort and efficiency. A high‑quality media filter reduces dust and protects your equipment. An Aprilaire 600 bypass humidifier can maintain healthy humidity in winter, reducing dry skin and static while helping rooms feel warmer at a lower thermostat setting. If your furnace is older, a modern ECM blower motor paired with proper duct balancing can improve comfort on every level of the home.

Finally, know when replacement is smarter than repair. If your heat exchanger is compromised, parts are obsolete, or your system suffers frequent breakdowns, upgrading to a 96%+ AFUE Tempstar furnace can lower utility bills and deliver quieter, more consistent heat. We’ll provide options and explain the pros and cons so you can choose with confidence. When you’re ready, schedule a professional tune‑up or estimate—our team serves Jackson, Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Stockbridge, Brooklyn, and nearby areas.