In Southern California we do not run our furnaces for as many months as people in colder states — but that is exactly why fall maintenance matters. A furnace that sat idle since spring collects dust, and small problems stay hidden until the first cold night. Here is a practical checklist for homeowners in Los Angeles, the foothills and the San Fernando Valley.
What you can do yourself
Replace the air filter
Start with a fresh filter before the heating season. Standard 1-inch filters usually need replacing every 1–3 months when the system is running. Homes with pets, dust or smoke exposure may need more frequent changes.
Test the thermostat
Switch to Heat, raise the temperature a few degrees and confirm the furnace starts within a few minutes. Replace thermostat batteries if yours uses them.
Clear the area around the furnace
Furnaces in garages and closets often end up surrounded by boxes, paint cans or cleaning supplies. Keep the area clear, and never store flammable products near the unit.
Check vents and returns
Walk through the house and make sure supply vents and return grilles are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs.
Test your carbon monoxide alarms
Every home with a gas furnace should have working CO alarms. Press the test button and replace batteries or old units as needed.
What a professional tune-up includes
Some checks require training and tools. A proper furnace tune-up typically includes:
- Inspecting and cleaning the burners and adjusting the flame
- Cleaning the flame sensor and checking the igniter
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
- Checking gas pressure and burner operation
- Testing safety controls and limit switches
- Checking the blower motor, capacitor and electrical connections
- Checking venting and draft
- Replacing a standard filter
Why fall maintenance is worth it
- Fewer breakdowns. Most fall “no heat” calls — dirty flame sensors, weak igniters, clogged filters — are caught during a tune-up.
- Safety. A cracked heat exchanger or venting problem can be a carbon monoxide risk. Regular inspection is the best way to catch it.
- Lower gas bills. Clean burners and good airflow help the furnace heat the house with less fuel.
- Longer equipment life. A well-maintained furnace generally lasts longer than a neglected one.
Do the AC at the same time — in spring
We recommend two visits a year: the furnace in the fall and the air conditioner in the spring, before the first heat wave. If you have a heat pump, it handles both heating and cooling and benefits from service twice a year.
Schedule your furnace tune-up
Orion HVAC serves La Crescenta, Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, Tujunga, Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley. Call (323) 736-3737 or book online. You get the price before any work begins, and every repair is backed by our parts and labor guarantee.
