How Often should a Furnace be Serviced?

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To ensure your heating system remains safe and efficient, you should schedule a professional furnace tune-up annually, ideally in the early fall before November. Regular professional service can reduce heating costs by up to 20% and helps prevent high repair costs by catching issues early.

While annual professional inspections are the standard, certain maintenance tasks should be performed more frequently based on San Francisco’s specific microclimates:

  • Air Filter Replacement: In general, filters should be changed every 1–3 months. However, in fog-prone areas like the Sunset District, it is recommended to change filters monthly due to high moisture and faster clogging.
  • Neighborhood Variances: Areas with high wind or fog, such as the Financial District or the Richmond District, require strict adherence to the annual service schedule to address coastal corrosion and moisture-related upkeep.
  • DIY Monitoring: Homeowners should conduct simple checks—such as verifying the pilot light flame color and listening for unusual noises—at the start of every heating season.

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