Tips for Furnace Maintenance This Winter

When winter hits Rochester, NY, keeping your home warm and comfortable becomes a top priority. Your furnace works hard during the coldest months, so giving it the proper care will help it deliver maximum heat, reduce energy waste, and operate safely. While an HVAC professional should always handle major inspections and adjustments, there are several basic maintenance steps you can take on your own.

Here are the Top 5 Furnace Maintenance Tips from your friends at Paris Heating & Cooling.

1. Stay on top of your furnace filters

Your filter is one of the most critical components of your HVAC system. A dirty filter forces your furnace to work harder, raising your energy bills and shortening the system’s lifespan.
Rule of thumb: Replace your 1″ pleated filter every month during heavy use.

2. Fight dust and dirt

Dust and dirt can significantly impact the efficiency of your furnace. Regularly vacuum around the unit, including the air registers, burner compartment, and blower area. Keeping the surrounding space clean reduces unnecessary strain on your furnace.
For deeper cleaning, schedule a professional maintenance visit—our team can safely access areas you shouldn’t tackle on your own.

3. Clean the filter system and blower

Your filter system keeps dirt from entering the furnace, so keeping it clean is essential. Depending on how often your heat runs, the filter will trap dust and debris quickly.

If your filter is clogged or appears heavily coated, replace it immediately or contact us for assistance.

You can also clean the blower assembly located behind the filter:

• Turn off the power

• Use a damp cloth to wipe the blower, belts, and pulleys

• Remove visible dust and buildup

If you’re not comfortable doing this, no problem—schedule a service appointment and we can handle it.

4. Do a quick visual inspection

Even a simple “eye test” can catch early issues. Look for:

• Securely fastened venting pipes

• Tight drainage tubes

• A properly connected gas flex line (if applicable)

• Excessive dust buildup around the furnace

• Any signs of water leaks or corrosion

If something looks off—especially anything involving gas—turn off the system and call us immediately.

5. Don’t delay preventative maintenance

This is one of the most critical steps. As temperatures drop and your furnace runs continuously, minor issues can quickly escalate into major breakdowns.
Scheduling preventative maintenance before the coldest nights helps ensure your system is safe, efficient, and ready for winter.

Our trained technicians can evaluate your furnace, make necessary adjustments, and recommend any repairs or upgrades that will keep your home comfortable throughout the entire season.

Need Furnace Service? We’re Here to Help.

Contact the team at Paris Heating & Cooling in Rochester, NY, for all your residential furnace installation, repair, and maintenance needs.
Stay warm, stay safe—and let us take the stress out of winter heating.