Are Furnace Tune-Ups Necessary? What’s included?

January 2, 2023 Bryan Mcilvain

You're probably considering how much money you'll need to spend this winter to keep your house warm. Winter is coming. Here's a tip for saving money: Don't wait until something goes wrong before scheduling your annual furnace tune-up. Before the cold weather hits full force, our team of certified technicians is out in force, ensuring everything is functioning correctly.

What is a Tune-up for a Furnace?

It's time to schedule your annual furnace tune-up now that fall has arrived.

You may not be aware of the significance of routine furnace maintenance in the long-term performance of your heating and cooling system, even though you are already aware of the significance of calling for heating repair when your system malfunctions. Heater tune-ups are a powerful preventive tool that provides incredible returns on your investment.

Keep reading to learn why you and every other homeowner should begin scheduling furnace tune-ups if you're unsure whether you need heater preventive maintenance this year. Tune-ups are quick and simple and can save you a lot of money on your energy costs.

Your furnace will die if it is not maintained.

Each part of your heating system needs to be clean if you want it to last as long as possible. Grime and dirt cause your heating system to have a more challenging time keeping up with your household needs, which leads to early deterioration. In addition, when one system component fails, the others follow. Regular furnace maintenance ensures that your furnace operates as efficiently as possible for the longest time.

Lowering utility costs with a furnace tune-up

To continue performing at a high level, an HVAC system needs all its components to be clean and in good condition. Your heating system may work harder if your furnace is dirty or old. Your energy bill will rise as soon as your furnace begins to work harder. By ensuring that your furnace does not struggle to meet the demands of your household, furnace tune-ups maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system.

An HVAC tune-up is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your system, avoid repairs, and save money on energy costs. However, you are not yet permitted to carry out work on a property if you are in the process of purchasing it. Sadly, there is a risk. You're coming up against a problematic, old HVAC system.

Because of this, a separate HVAC inspection is equally as crucial as the initial home inspection. Find out more if you're in the market for a home right now. Although it is essential to perform a comprehensive check-up of the HVAC system with an HVAC inspection before you move into a new house, you will be unable to do so because you are not the property owner.

Why are Tune-ups for Furnaces Important?

The best way to extend the life of an older furnace or heating system and guarantee that it operates as efficiently as possible year after year is to keep it in good condition. Your older HVAC system will likely lose efficiency quickly and run a higher risk of failure without a yearly furnace tune-up, especially during peak usage times when the weather is coldest.

Therefore, furnace tune-ups performed by qualified HVAC technicians extend the life of your heating system, preventing high heating costs, impending breakdowns, or the need to replace your heating system anytime soon.

You might question whether it's indispensable to schedule a heating tune-up before winter, mainly if your furnace or heat pump has been operating efficiently for the past few years. As heating systems operate throughout the season, they experience typical wear and tear.

Even though this wear and tear might not result in a breakdown, it will eventually lead to a decrease in furnace efficiency, which raises heating costs beyond what is necessary. Scheduling an annual furnace tune-up to inspect and clean your system is the only way to guarantee that your energy costs stay as low as possible. This corrects any efficiency losses brought on by yearly use and the effects of wear and tear to return your heating system to like-new condition and peak performance.

What Exactly Does a Furnace Tune-Up Include?

Your car is shielded from damage and kept in top operating condition with routine tune-ups. The moving components in your furnace are comparable. But what exactly is a furnace tune-up?

Advisors will detail your system's overall condition and potential improvements. Our experience is available if you consider installing a humidifier or dehumidifier, air purification tools, carbon monoxide detectors, or a complete HVAC system upgrade.

I recently purchased a new heating system; do I still require maintenance?

Homeowners might also ponder whether their brand-new or dated heating system needs to be tuned. Regular maintenance and heater tune-ups yearly are highly beneficial for new heating systems. This preventive measure is the best way to guarantee your new furnace lasts as long as expected.

A new furnace is typically expected to last between 15 and 20 years, but these predictions assume that the heating system will receive yearly maintenance. The system will likely fail sooner than its expected lifespan if this requirement is not met. On the other hand, homeowners with older furnaces might believe the expense of upkeep is not justified.

Do I Also Need a Fall Tune-Up If I Own a Heat Pump?

Yes! We recommend tune-ups for heat pumps twice a year because they function as a house heating and cooling system. Liken it to a central air system that consists of a furnace and an air conditioner. You schedule an AC tune-up in the spring and a furnace tune-up in the fall. Each type of system needs to be tuned up for both seasons when a heat pump performs both tasks. Your heat pump can operate at peak efficiency throughout the entire season if you inspect the unit twice a year.

Based on their equipment and components, the furnace tune-up checklist and what would be on a heat pump tune-up checklist differ slightly. Seasonal heat pump upkeep can take care of any cooling issues that arise after the summer and prepare it for the upcoming winter. After a fall tune-up, the heat pump is ready to switch to the heating mode. You'll reverse the system in the spring and get ready to return to air conditioning mode.

Finish the furnace tune-up checklist before the overnight low temperatures arrive! What is it? The furnace tune-up checklist covers the annual maintenance that your heating system needs. Furnace maintenance serves a variety of functions, such as:

· improves the energy efficiency of the furnace, which reduces the cost of heating bills

· enhances the efficiency of the heating system for increased comfort inside

· Enhances the heating system's safety and reduces air quality risks. Resolves minor issues to help prevent breakdowns during the heating season.

· prolongs the life of heating systems

Do I Require an Annual Furnace Tune-up?

Some homeowners fail to remember to check the furnace on their home maintenance checklist. Many people question whether getting a tune-up every year is essential. This is a frequently asked question, mainly if the furnaces appear in good working order or are relatively new.

The fact is that throughout a heating season, your furnace degrades. Component stress from operation eventually reduces system performance. This reduces dependability and effectiveness. Even if you didn't notice a problem when you turned on your furnace last year, you might need one this year if you neglect maintenance.

Furnaces that aren't maintained frequently need more repairs and don't last as long as those given the annual furnace tune-up checklist care. Furnace owners who fail to maintain them risk incurring more costly repairs, higher energy costs, and significantly less comfortable.

Lastly, many manufacturers condition their warranties on regular maintenance performed by a licensed HVAC technician. Don't let equipment abuse void your warranty!

Qualified HVAC technicians thoroughly maintain all types of equipment, including furnaces, ductless systems, and heat pumps. Our thorough furnace tune-up checklist guarantees that all system parts receive the care they require to function safely and correctly.

Make furnace upkeep simple.

With our 5-Star Comfort Plan, we want to prioritize furnace maintenance in your home. Because it's simple to forget, our Preventive Maintenance Agreements assist homeowners in remembering their yearly maintenance appointments. Never again neglect fall maintenance because you forgot to make a call. We make your appointment when it's time, finish your maintenance tune-up, and offer you additional fantastic discounts all year.

Furnace Barely Survived the Winter Before?

Consider replacing your furnace if it is more than ten years old or needs more repairs than you can count. Perhaps you recently moved into a house and are unsure if you have a heat pump or a furnace. Fortunately, it happens frequently. However, it's possible that the previous owners did not provide adequate heating.

Call us, and we'll conduct a thorough inspection. It will be helpful to you to have a baseline of the heating system's performance and condition, even if it is only a few years old.

We are happy to offer a free estimate if you are interested in a new furnace, ductless unit, or perhaps zoned heating and cooling. We'll come over, take measurements, do some math, and discuss your household's needs and energy objectives. We'll offer suggestions for enhancing your heating and cooling system.

Repairs are avoided with a furnace tune-up.

A furnace tune-up can make the difference between staying warm in the winter and shivering without heat. Inspecting and cleaning your system is part of a furnace tune-up, known as heating maintenance, to ensure every part operates as efficiently as possible.

An HVAC specialist will then be able to determine whether any components, like an outdated and rusted heat exchanger or a worn-out blower motor, need to be replaced before they fail. Additionally, by cleaning your furnace frequently, you can prevent problems with your HVAC system caused by a clogged drain line or a dirty air filter. You can also identify any potential issues early on.

Checklist for tuning a furnace

Discover the details now that you know why the furnace tune-up checklist is crucial. The furnace tune-up checklist includes all necessary maintenance for the heating system's components.

The following services are on a comprehensive checklist for furnace maintenance:

1. Cleaning the blower compartment. Your HVAC system is constantly capturing dust and dirt in the air. A dirty blower wheel can result in less effective operation and increased energy costs.

2. Inspection and adjusting of the wiring. A malfunction and the need for pricey repairs may be avoided by tightening wires and inspecting connections.

3. Burner modification The furnace's burners should be cleaned and adjusted to maximize efficiency.

4. Examine the gas pressure, flame operation, and heat exchanger.

5. Cleaning or replacement of indoor air filters. Both the energy efficiency of your furnace and the quality of the air inside your home are impacted by how clean your air filter is. Your furnace needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly to maintain good working order.

6. Inspection of the igniter or pilot light to confirm proper operation.

7. Examining the flow of air and duct connections. We guarantee peak performance by ensuring proper airflow throughout the house and your system.

8. Additional efficiency and safety inspections. You will waste less energy and utility bills if your furnace is more efficient. Additionally, we'll look for carbon monoxide leaks that could endanger your family.

· Motor bearings and other moving parts should be lubricated.

· Verify and correct the fan belt tension.

· Checks for voltage and current

· Tighten every electrical connection.

· Examine the heat exchanger.

· exhaust system test

· Examine and clean the burner.

· Check and correct the gas pressure.

· Check connections to gas or oil lines and test the ignition system.

· Analyze and confirm system controls

· Check the condensate drain and clean it if necessary.

· Furnace interior and exterior cleanliness

· alter the air filter

· Check the levels of carbon monoxide.

· Check and adjust the thermostat.

Detecting gas leaks

The HVAC specialist will examine the flue venting to investigate the potential gas or CO leak. The heat exchanger is inspected to see any cracks, holes, or rust. Carbon monoxide leaks onto your home when your heat exchanger is cracked, posing a fatal risk to every occupant. Find out how to identify a cracked heat exchanger here.

Inspection Of Gas Combustion In A Gas Furnace Clean Up

The HVAC expert evaluates the gas valve's condition and, if necessary, makes adjustments. The HVAC technician will determine a gas leak or the presence of CO. They will also check the functionality of the CO detectors in the house. Since gas is explosive and carbon monoxide poisoning is fatal, this is essential for your safety.

Inspection and cleaning of the furnace cabinet

Many of the essential parts of the heating system are housed in the cabinet. The structural soundness of the furnace cabinet will be examined during a furnace tune-up. The HVAC technician vacuums the cabinet's interior to eliminate corrosive dirt and dust.

The HVAC expert carefully inspects, cleans, and tests the blower wheel, safety switches, and numerous electrical connections inside the cabinet, including the control board. The HVAC technician will inform

The homeowner and make any necessary repairs to any cabinet fasteners, cabinet panels, blower wheel, safety switches, control board, or loose electrical connections.

Inspects the heat exchanger for cracks

The burners, igniter, inducer motor, and pilot assembly are also examined, tested, and cleaned by the HVAC Specialist.

HVAC professional evaluating the inducer motor and other internal electrical components for efficiency.

Inspection & Removal of Condensate

The HVAC technician will check the visible condensate drain piping, traps, and drain pumps for proper operation. As required, they will clean, fix, or replace.

Perform A Thermostat Evaluation For Heating Maintenance

HVAC specialists examine the temperature calibration, clean the connections, and determine whether new batteries are required. Learn how to use these simple troubleshooting techniques when your thermostat starts acting up.

1. Airflow Evaluation For HVAC System Maintenance

2. checking static pressure while tuning up the furnace.

3. Static pressure measurement to evaluate airflow

How comfortable we are at home is heavily influenced by airflow. If there is insufficient airflow, a furnace's efficiency drops precipitously. An HVAC expert will tune up your furnace and conduct tests to measure the static pressure to evaluate your air flow's effectiveness. Then they inspect your ductwork, confirm that all registers and vents are open and functional, and close your damper.

How Long Does It Take To Tune Up A Furnace?

An estimated 1-2 hours may be needed for a heating system tune-up. The extent of the maintenance and the general cleanliness and condition of your HVAC system will determine how long the furnace tune-up takes. Be aware that if a heating maintenance job is finished by an HVAC contractor in less than an hour, it probably wasn't a thorough inspection.

Common Furnace Issues

That A Furnace Can Prevent Tune-Up Furnace Not Turning On Typically, a dirty or malfunctioning pilot light, blower motor, thermostat, or circuit board wiring will result in your furnace not turning on. The pilot light, blower motor, thermostat, and circuit board are all cleaned and examined for efficiency by an HVAC professional when they service your HVAC system.

As a result, the furnace failure in your home could have been anticipated or wholly avoided. Find out more about the causes of your furnace not starting here. We also have some helpful industry advice for you if your pilot light is the problem.

Cold Air From the Furnace

An HVAC contractor will identify the leading causes of your furnace blowing cold air instead of warm air during a heating system tune-up. A dirty or malfunctioning thermostat, internal control board, or filter is a typical cause of cold air blowing from your heater.

An HVAC expert will replace your filter and clean and tighten all the wires in your thermostat and internal control board. A furnace tune-up significantly lowers your chance of your furnace blowing cold air. Find out more about the cold air your furnace is blowing here.

Water Leak from Furnace

A clogged condensate line is the most typical cause of a furnace leak. An HVAC contractor checks and cleans the condensate line and drain when performing routine furnace maintenance on your HVAC system.

It's crucial to get an air conditioning tune-up before summer because the heating and air conditioning use the same condensate line.

Sounds

Many homeowners worry about a breakdown when their furnace starts making strange noises. The blower motor in your furnace may be the source of any noises you begin to hear, such as squealing, grinding, scraping, or thumping. During the annual furnace tune-up, the HVAC expert assesses the blower motor's condition. For maximum effectiveness, they clean the blower motor as well. With preventative maintenance, such as a furnace tune-up, you can stop the commotion before it even begins.

Heat Exchanger with Cracks

A cracked heat exchanger is dangerous if not detected in time. An HVAC technician will check your heat exchanger for cracks and holes during a heating system tune-up. They will also look for corrosion and rust as part of the inspection process because those are indicators that future cracks and holes are likely to appear. During this time, they perform tasks like air filter replacement and blower motor cleaning to lessen the possibility of your heat exchanger cracking. The HVAC expert will also check your home for Carbon Monoxide to ensure it is safe from the poisonous gas. With a furnace tune-up, you can foresee when your heat exchanger is about to crack and prevent it by taking proactive measures.

Furnace Smells

Regular furnace tune-ups eliminate the typical causes of furnace odors. During a furnace cleaning and inspection, issues like loose electrical connections and burning dirt and dust are found and fixed. An annual furnace tune-up will keep your furnace in good health.

High Energy Bills Because of Short Cycling in the Furnace

Your energy costs will skyrocket if your furnace is short cycling. This is known as short cycling, when your furnace repeatedly turns on and off before reaching the desired temperature. A dirty flame sensor or the blower motor is the frequent cause. A thorough furnace cleaning, including the flame sensor and the blower motor, is part of a furnace tune-up. By performing regular furnace maintenance, you can prevent your energy bill from rising.

Furnace maintenance = lower energy costs

Despite high energy costs, not warm

Unfortunately, your energy bills are skyrocketing when your furnace is not keeping up.

Many things prevent your furnace from reaching the temperature that the thermostat is set for, including a dirty furnace and, more specifically, a dirty air filter. However, if your furnace is more than ten years old, a furnace inspection will show you its age and general state. Your furnace's performance is significantly influenced by its age, and if it is not keeping up, you will experience high energy costs. A furnace tune-up can help you stay on top of your energy costs.

How To DIY A Furnace Tune-Up

Keeping your home's heating and cooling systems in good working order requires routine maintenance. So, you might be wondering, can I perform regular furnace maintenance? Yes, and it's not at all problematic. When it comes to keeping the condition of their home heating system, the homeowner has a lot of options. Let's learn more!

BONUS! Do-It-Yourself Furnace Upkeep

The most straightforward maintenance procedures you can perform on your furnace at home are:

Invest in a maintenance program to maintain regular service schedules.

Every month, check your air filter and replace it as necessary. A fresh filter every two to three months is adequate for most households. Houses with smokers, pets, and people allergic to pollen and other allergens are exceptions. These homes gain from more frequent filter replacements.

Keep the area around your outdoor condenser unit well-ventilated. Cut back any threatening tree branches and vegetation. Maintain a two to the three-foot perimeter around your outdoor unit. Before they build nests inside your HVAC system or chew wiring, call pest control if you notice rodent or insect activity signs.

First, remove the furnace door.

It would help if you removed the furnace door to clean the interior. To accomplish this, use a screwdriver to unscrew the panels.

Change the furnace filter in Step 2.

To ensure proper airflow, change the filter.

The simplest way to maintain your furnace is to replace the filter at least four times annually. Air filters should be changed every six weeks in homes with pets or people with allergies or asthma. To encourage airflow, ensure all registers and vents are open and unblocked. Check out this helpful guide to changing your furnace's filters.

Step 3: Examine any problematic flames

Check the flame. Call an HVAC professional right away if the flame is orange.

Examine the burner flame in your furnace carefully. How does it appear? Your furnace's burner flame should be blue; if it's not, there's a problem. Yellow flames or orange indicate the presence of dirt in the burner, which can cause additional issues like decreased combustion efficiency (so less heat). A flickering flame could indicate that not enough oxygen is being added to complete combustion, which could lead to serious problems like gas leaks!

Step 4: Clean Inside the Furnace

Clean the furnace cabinet with a vacuum to remove dust and debris.

The following action the homeowner can take is to vacuum the cabinet, which is the furnace's interior. Carefully suck up any dirt, dust, or debris with a vacuum hose. Avoid striking or sucking up any additional internal parts.

Clean the condensate line in Step 5.

To see if the condensate drain line is clogged, pour water.

Cleaning and inspecting the condensate line is another preventative maintenance measure that homeowners can take. The condensate line is a white pipe on the side or front of your furnace. Your AC and furnace's condensation are drained by it. By opening it, you can check to see if the top is dirty or cracked.

Pour some water down the top after that to see if it is clogged or if the water drains properly. If necessary, clean and unclog the condensate line to make sure your HVAC system isn't dripping water. Find out what to do if your furnace is dripping water here!

Closing your upstairs damper is crucial when the weather outside gets chilly. Take advantage of the fact that heat rises by doing this. The secret to efficiency is science.

Tune-Up of the Furnace: System Health Report

After each furnace tune-up, the HVAC expert will give the homeowners a System Healthy Report. It includes a comprehensive account of everything your technician looked at and its current state.

How Often Do I Need A Tune-Up For My Furnace?

Once a year should be set aside for regular furnace maintenance. To avoid needing a furnace repair during the most crucial time of the year, complete your annual furnace tune-up just before the heating season starts.

Keep Your Comfort All Year Long

Small issues with your heating system tends to grow significantly very quickly. Because of this, furnace tune-ups are a great way to reduce your heating costs and avert more expensive repairs in the future.

Regular heating maintenance can help reduce how frequently your auxiliary heating kicks on if you have a heat pump system. Also, don't forget about your air conditioning! You can maintain your comfort in the summer with an AC tune-up and reduce your HVAC costs.

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