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While we never recommend homeowners work on their own furnace, we do think it’s important for homeowners to know and understand their furnaces. With some baseline furnace knowledge, you can take better care of your system and recognize potential problems a lot sooner. Here are five of the most important things to know about your gas furnace.
Changing your air filter every 1 – 3 months will keep your air cleaner and reduce the number of times you have to call for gas heater repair. Gas furnaces also operate more efficiently with a clean filter. Locate the filter slot, which is usually between the furnace and the main duct. Check what size the filter is. Then, stock up on filters in that size, so you always have a new one on hand. To change the filter, you simply pull the old one out and slide the new one in.
Locate the main gas valve or better known by HVAC professionals as gas cock next to your furnace. If it is not labeled, label it. Know where the emergency shut off switch is. This way, if there is ever an emergency you can shut off the heater. If you can’t locate your gas valve or emergency switch, ask your HVAC contractors to locate and label it the next time they visit.
When you first turn your furnace on for the season, a scorched, dusty odor is normal. Most other furnace smells are not normal. Call your furnace service if you smell the following odors:
Rotten Eggs: This indicates a possible gas leak.
Metallic Burning: This means you may have an electrical issue.
Most furnaces make a clicking noise when they first turn on, and then a blowing noise when operational. If you notice any other sounds, you should call for repairs. A scraping sound usually means a ball bearing has become worn. Banging and clanging can mean any number of parts are loose. These problems can all be fixed, and you want them repaired before they lead to bigger issues.
The last important thing to know about gas furnaces is that they require maintenance. Make sure you schedule a winter furnace tune-up each and every year. During a tune-up, your HVAC contractor will tighten loose parts, lubricate moving parts, and make note of any minor repairs that are needed. This should extend your furnace’s life and keep it working well all winter.
You don’t have to be an HVAC expert to take good care of your furnace. Keep the advice above in mind, and for everything else, rely on the experienced technicians at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer everything from tune-ups to heating installation services, and we take a customer-first approach.
Blog Last Updated on November 6, 2025
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