One of the biggest factors in homeowner satisfaction with a new furnace system is the homeowners' own understanding of how to operate and maintain the system. The contractor should facilitate this understanding and should clarify any owner responsibilities once the installation is complete. In addition, this action provides an opportunity for the contractor to propose a service plan for the new furnace.

Always provide the homeowner with all furnace related documentation and inform them of its location (e.g. furnace pocket) once the furnace is commissioned. Note that this is a Code requirement. The contractor should also demonstrate basic furnace operation and maintenance procedures in order to ensure that the homeowner is comfortable operating their new equipment. The following list includes documentation that should be provided and topics that should be reviewed / demonstrated with the homeowner before leaving the site:

• Manufacturer's product literature (furnace, thermostat, filter)
• Warranty coverage of new furnace and thermostat including servicing requirements for compliance with warranty policy
• Commissioning checklist (empirical results from commissioning phase) - this data is also commonly
  recorded with a felt pen on the ductwork
• Contractor contact information for future maintenance
• Basic operation of the new furnace - new high efficiency furnaces generally have at least two operating options (low-fire, high-fire)
• Thermostat operation (demonstrate programming if applicable)
  • Benefits of furnace optimization (energy savings, thermal comfort)
  • Temperature set-back procedures
• Proper labeling of switches
• Maintenance
  • Filter replacement - what products are acceptable (size, efficiency, etc.)
  • Annual equipment servicing requirements
  • Establishing a maintenance schedule
  • Benefits of a maintenance contract versus year-by-year calls