Taking the time to properly shut down your Goodman furnace for the off-season is important for keeping it running well and lasting longer. Following a few simple steps, you can help ensure that your furnace stays in great shape while not in use. Here’s a friendly guide to help you out.
To shut down your Goodman furnace for the season, here’s the main process:
- Turn Off the Thermostat: Set the thermostat to Off to prevent the furnace from coming on.
- Shut Down the Power: Locate the power switch on or near the furnace, and switch it to Off. You can also switch off the furnace’s breaker in your main electrical panel for additional safety.
- Turn Off the Gas Supply (if applicable): If your furnace uses natural gas or propane, locate the gas valve and turn it to the Off position.
Additional Steps for Seasonal Goodman Furnace Shutdown and Maintenance
After shutting down the Goodman furnace, a few extra maintenance tasks will help ensure that your system remains in good condition during the off-season and is ready for the next heating season.
Inspect and Clean the Air Filter
Before shutting down completely, check the air filter. A clean filter is important because it prevents dust and debris from sitting in the system during the off-season, which can cause poor performance when the furnace is restarted. If it’s dirty, replace it with a new one.
Clean Inside the Furnace
Remove the furnace’s access panels to inspect and clean the inside components. Over time, dust and debris can settle in the blower assembly and burners, leading to issues if left unchecked. Use a soft brush or vacuum to gently clean these areas, ensuring that they do not damage any parts. Regular cleaning also helps prevent rust and corrosion in the system.
Inspect the Venting System
Check the furnace venting system to ensure no obstructions in the flue pipe or other ventilation areas. Blocked vents can cause issues, so ensuring the venting is clear helps maintain safety in the future.
Seal Air Ducts and Registers
To avoid dust buildup in the ductwork and prevent small pests from entering, consider covering the registers and sealing air ducts. Magnetic vent covers, or plastic sheets work well for this purpose. This will keep the ducts cleaner during the off-season.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
As a best practice, schedule an HVAC professional inspection before and after the heating season. This check-up ensures that any maintenance needs or potential issues are addressed before the system is needed again.
Keep Manuals and Documentation Safe
Having user manuals, warranties, and maintenance records stored in an accessible place makes it easy to reference them when it’s time to turn the furnace back on or if you need service.
By following these steps, you’ll shut down your Goodman furnace for the season and set it up to run smoothly when winter comes around again.
