Furnace Maintenance Checklist & TipsMuch like with the air conditioner, it’s all too easy to take the furnace for granted in your home. It may produce heat steadily for years and then suddenly begin to produce unpleasant odors, increase your energy bills noticeably, or fail to turn on altogether one day. Taking care of your furnace on an annual basis with a few basic maintenance steps is the key to reliable performance. This checklist can be completed by any homeowner.