Do You Really Need to Get Your Furnace Serviced in Fall? When It Helps—and When It Hurts

It’s often recommended for homeowners to have the furnace inspected and serviced about once or twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. Having it serviced before peak usage times can help ensure your furnace doesn’t break down unexpectedly at an inconvenient time.

But how necessary is having your furnace serviced every fall, and when is it okay to skip servicing the furnace?

We asked home maintenance and HVAC experts to find out.

Do You Need to Get Your Furnace Serviced in Fall?

Strictly speaking, if you do not get your furnace serviced in the fall, it won’t automatically create a problem with the HVAC system.

However, the longer the furnace goes without a proper inspection and basic servicing, the higher the risk of issues occurring and the less likely the furnace will operate efficiently for the entirety of its lifespan.

“It’s recommended to have a professional HVAC inspection and servicing one to two times a year, ideally in the spring and fall (ahead of summer and winter),” says Courtney Klosterman, Home Insight Expert at Hippo Home Insurance.

“In addition to minimizing wear and tear, regular checks and maintenance help your HVAC system operate smoothly and maintain good air circulation in your home.”

Regular servicing not only extends the life of the furnace, but it can also help to prevent mid-winter breakdowns, which are typically the most expensive and inconvenient HVAC issues.

Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest how-tos, reno guides, and more!

When Can You Skip Furnace Service?

There are some rare circumstances where your furnace doesn’t need to be serviced, generally due to the furnace age, condition, and operating frequency. But you shouldn’t make a habit of skipping routine maintenance.

“If the furnace was professionally serviced within the past six to 12 months and hasn’t seen much use, it might be reasonable to wait until the next regular service cycle,” says Jason Kerr, HVAC Expert and President at Intelligent Service.

“For example, in mild climates or with newer systems that have been maintained consistently and show no signs of performance issues—strange noises, poor airflow, or short cycling—it’s usually okay to skip a single season.”

But the longer you skip servicing the furnace the higher the risk of problems occurring will increase, such as reduced efficiency, carbon monoxide leaks, inconsistent heating, poor airflow and air quality, and it may even affect the life of the furnace.

DIY HVAC Tasks Homeowners Can Do

If you are looking to save money on your HVAC system, there are a variety of DIY tasks that most homeowners can take care of on their own. Kerr recommends that homeowners tackle these simple, but essential tasks for a healthy furnace:

• Change or clean air filters every one to three months. This alone can improve airflow, reduce strain on the system, and lower energy bills.
• Keep vents and registers clear of furniture, rugs, and dust buildup to maintain proper airflow.
• Clean around the furnace and outdoor unit, removing debris, leaves, and clutter that can restrict airflow or pose a fire hazard.
• Check thermostat settings to make sure they’re programmed for comfort and efficiency.
• Inspect visible ductwork for loose connections or obvious leaks. If you see gaps, you can seal them temporarily with mastic sealant or metal-backed tape until a pro can assess them.

When to Get Your Furnace Serviced

In some circumstances, calling in a professional to have the furnace serviced or repaired is the only option if you want to avoid further problems.

“Call a professional for an inspection, especially if you notice odd noises or if your overall system is struggling to run,” Klosterman says.

Some red flags to watch out for include a burning smell, gas odor, or the furnace frequently shutting off.

If you notice any warning signs, like unusual noises, reduced airflow, inconsistent temperatures, frequent cycling on and off, or higher energy bills, then it’s a good idea to contact an HVAC pro.

“Ultimately, fall is the best time to avoid issues—before you rely on your furnace daily and before technicians are booked solid with emergency calls,” Kerr says.