Most HVAC contractors will recommend you get your furnace checked before you need to turn it on in the fall. While having a technician look at your system is always something we recommend, it’s good to have a basic understanding of your furnace.

1. Z I P F - A I R , I N C .
A Homeowner’s Guide to
Furnace Upkeep

2. Furnace Upkeep
 Most HVAC contractors will recommend you get
your furnace checked before you need to turn it on in
the fall.
 While having a technician look at your system is
always something we recommend, it’s good to have a
basic understanding of your furnace.

3. What to do before a contractor comes:
 Change your filters regularly.
 Clogged filters account for most of the problems with a
residential furnace. By changing them on a regular basis you
eliminate the chance that your heater will break down when
you need it most.
 Note: If you have reusable filters, make sure you are washing
them on a regular basis.
 Switch your thermostat to heat mode.
 If you turn your home up to 75 degrees, it won’t do you any
good if your system is still on A/C mode.
 Remove any flammable items near your furnace.

4. What your HVAC technician will look for:
 Inspect your thermostat to make sure it is operational.
 Sometimes problems that appear to be your furnace acting up could
actually be contributed to your thermostat.
 Inspect and possibly replacing your furnace filters.
 Inspect system controls and electrical cables.
 Inspect your heat exchanger for cracks.
 Cracks in your heat exchanger can be very dangerous and can lead to
a carbon monoxide leak.
 Inspect air flow.
 Keep in mind, every company has different scopes and
prices.

5. Furnace Upkeep
 To ensure that your system gets proper care year
round, talk to your HVAC technician about getting
involved in a maintenance plan.
 They can often get you moved up on the call sheet
and some companies provide discounts to their club
members.

6. About Zipf-Air, Inc.
Zipf-Air started as a one man shop and has
continued to grow through the years. With over 100
years of combined experience installing and
troubleshooting HVAC systems, Zipf-Air has earned
an outstanding reputation within the heating and
cooling industry. We are dedicated to providing the
best equipment and services to St. Louis and the
surrounding areas by providing exceptional service
and installation for quality conscious customers.