Fall Furnace Tune-Up Checklist for Southeast Michigan Homeowners

The best time for a furnace tune-up in Southeast Michigan is September or October, before the first real cold snap. A furnace that hasn’t been used all summer can hide problems that show up once it’s back to running every day. A tune-up in the fall catches those issues and prevents homeowners from having to make emergency calls in freezing weather.

Proper furnace maintenance goes well beyond changing the filter. A technician should check the gas connections and gas pressure, burner combustion, the heat exchanger, the igniter and flame sensor, the blower, venting, and the thermostat. You can handle a few of these yourself, like replacing the filter, clearing vents, and testing your carbon monoxide alarms. Depending on your gas utility, you may also qualify for a rebate. DTE Energy is paying up to $150 for tune-ups completed between September 1 and November 15, and Consumers Energy offers $65.

For homeowners living in Livonia, Plymouth, or the surrounding areas, our Ehlers Membership Plan is a great way to save money on regular maintenance. In addition to getting regular furnace tune-ups and AC maintenance, members also get discounts on filters, service, and new HVAC systems. Learn more about the Ehlers Membership Plan here or call us at (248) 442-8500.

What does a professional furnace tune-up include?

A professional furnace tune-up is a full inspection and cleaning of the parts that keep your furnace running safely and efficiently. ENERGY STAR’s maintenance checklist recommends having a contractor check gas connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and the heat exchanger every fall. When our technicians do a tune-up in Livonia, Plymouth, Northville or any of the surrounding communities, they go through this list:

• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion that could leak carbon monoxide
• Check gas connections and gas pressure, and test for leaks
• Clean and adjust the burners, and check the flame for proper combustion
• Test the igniter and clean the flame sensor
• Inspect the blower motor and wheel, and clean away built-up dust
• Check the venting and flue for blockages or damage
• Test the safety controls and limit switches
• Tighten electrical connections and measure voltage and amperage
• Check the condensate drain on high-efficiency furnaces
• Test the thermostat and confirm the system cycles on and off correctly
• Replace or check the air filter

Most of these checks take just a few minutes each, but together they catch the problems that cause breakdowns. A dirty flame sensor, for example, is one of the most common reasons a furnace shuts off right after starting. It’s a quick cleaning during a tune-up, but it can mean a cold house and an emergency call if nobody catches it.

Want the details on what we cover and how to book? Our furnace maintenance service page lays it all out.

Furnace Maintenance Tips for Homeowners Before Turning the Heat On

There are a few simple things you can do in 15 minutes before you turn on the heat for the first time. Start by replacing the air filter. Walk through the house and make sure supply vents and return grilles aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains. Clear boxes, laundry, and storage away from the furnace itself so it gets enough airflow.

If you have a high-efficiency furnace, go outside and check the white PVC intake and exhaust pipes. Make sure leaves, bird nests, or shrubs aren’t blocking them. Then set your thermostat to heat, raise it a few degrees, and listen. You should hear the furnace start within a minute or two and feel warm air at the vents soon after.

Finally, test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and replace the batteries if they’re due. If anything seems off, like a burning smell that lasts more than the first few minutes, strange noises, or no heat at all, turn the system off and call a technician.

How often should you change your furnace filter?

ENERGY STAR recommends checking your filter every month and changing it at least every three months. Homes with pets, allergies, or recent renovation work often need changes more often. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, raises your gas bill, and can cause the system to overheat and shut down. We cover filter types and sizes in our guide to HVAC air filters.

When is the best time to schedule a furnace tune-up in the Livonia and Plymouth areas?

Schedule your furnace maintenance in September or early October if you can. Appointments are easier to get before the first cold weekend. Once temperatures drop and everyone turns on the heat at once, service companies across western Wayne and southern Oakland County get flooded with repair calls, and routine maintenance gets harder to fit in.

Early fall also gives you time to act on anything the technician finds. If your furnace needs a new igniter or blower motor, you can schedule the repair calmly in October instead of scrambling in January. For DTE customers, the timing matters for rebates too, since the higher tune-up rebate only covers work completed between September 1 and November 15.

Can a fall furnace tune-up save you money?

Yes, in a few ways. A clean, properly adjusted furnace burns fuel more efficiently than one with dirty burners and a clogged filter, and that shows up on your heating bill over a long Michigan winter. A tune-up also catches worn parts early, before they fail and take other components with them.

Then there are the utility rebates. DTE Energy offers a $75 rebate for a qualifying furnace tune-up, or up to $150 for a tune-up completed between September 1 and November 15. DTE says funding is limited, so it’s worth booking early. Consumers Energy customers can get a $65 rebate for a tune-up that includes a combustion analysis, available once every two years. Make sure to check your gas bill to see which program applies to you.

Regular maintenance can also protect your warranty. Many furnace manufacturers expect annual professional maintenance, and skipping it can make a warranty claim harder down the road. Check your paperwork, or ask us when we’re out, and we can tell you what your warranty requires.

Furnace Warning Signs That Indicate Problems

Some furnace problems go beyond routine maintenance. Call for a repair if you notice banging or screeching when the furnace starts, a yellow or flickering burner flame instead of a steady blue one, the furnace turning on and off every few minutes, rooms that never warm up, or heating bills that climb even though your habits haven’t changed. We cover more of these in our post on furnace warning signs.

Age matters too. ENERGY STAR suggests considering replacement once a furnace is more than 15 years old. An older furnace can still pass a tune-up, but if it needs frequent repairs, the tune-up is a good time to start planning for what comes next instead of waiting for it to fail in February.

Why does carbon monoxide safety belong on your fall furnace checklist?

The furnace is one of the most common sources of carbon monoxide in a home. A cracked heat exchanger or a blocked vent can let carbon monoxide into your living space, and you can’t see or smell it. That’s the biggest reason a technician inspects the heat exchanger and venting during every tune-up.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion, which are easy to mistake for common illnesses. If your alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911 or your gas utility from a safe place.

FAQs About Furnace Maintenance in Livonia, Plymouth & Surrounding Areas

How long does a furnace tune-up take?

Most tune-ups take about an hour. It can run longer if the furnace hasn’t been serviced in years, needs extra cleaning, or the technician finds a part that should be replaced.

Does a new furnace need yearly service?

Yes. Even a furnace that’s only a year or two old benefits from an annual check, and many manufacturer warranties expect regular professional maintenance. New furnaces can still develop issues like a dirty flame sensor or a clogged condensate line.

Do you offer furnace tune-ups outside of Livonia?

Yes. Ehlers Heating & Cooling serves Livonia and the surrounding communities in western Wayne and southern Oakland County, including Plymouth, Canton, Westland, Northville, Novi, Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield.

How do you schedule a furnace tune-up with Ehlers Heating & Cooling?

Ehlers Heating & Cooling has kept homes in Livonia and the surrounding area warm for more than 50 years. We’re a family-owned Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with NATE-certified technicians, and we’d be glad to get your furnace ready before winter.

Call us at (248) 442-8500 or request service online to book your fall tune-up.