Hello,

We have recently moved to our new home (6 year old house), and this will be our first winter in a home.

Any specific checks to be done before starting the furnace.

Regards
gforacle

Get it serviced. As you said it should be 6yrs old then it is high efficiency. Then you need to get it serviced every two years.

Check the filter, if required replace it. And replace it after 2-3 months.

If you do not have programmable thermostat, then get one.