The most commonly used heating method, your furnace burns fuel or uses electricity to heat your home’s indoor air, then distributes it to rooms through your ductwork. Your furnace is probably located in the basement, attic, closet, or crawlspace below your home.
During the chilly winter months, your furnace is the key to your family’s comfort, so it needs to be looked after with preventative maintenance. Maintaining your furnace with annual tune-ups will extend your unit’s lifespan, prevent breakdowns, maximize its efficiency, eliminate safety hazards, and lower your monthly heating costs.
It’s best to schedule your yearly furnace tune-up at the beginning of fall when you’re switching your thermostat from cool to heat. Having a tune-up done now will ensure optimum performance when the outside temperature drops. Read the following Q&A to learn how an annual furnace tune-up saves you time and money.
What services are performed in a furnace tune-up?
A furnace tune-up is a series of tasks that your friendly Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling technician performs to ensure your unit is operating as it should. Simply put, your tune-up prepares your furnace to run efficiently in winter weather. Our comprehensive furnace tune-up includes the following:
• Clean the blower compartment
• Clean and adjust the burners
• Inspect and tighten wiring and all connections
• Inspect the heat exchanger
• Measure the gas pressure and inspect the flame operation
• Inspect the igniter and pilot light
• Clean or replace the furnace filter
• Check the ductwork and connections for optimal airflow
Are annual furnace tune-ups necessary?
The short answer is yes. Nobody wants to awaken shivering at 2:00 am to discover their furnace isn’t working. Furnace tune-ups reveal minor problems before they become major ones. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to schedule an annual tune-up, it helps to remember that the cost of a tune-up is far lower than what it’ll cost to fix your unit after it breaks down. Investing up-front in preventative maintenance will save you considerable money on energy, repair, and installation caused by furnace neglect.
How do I know if my older furnace needs a tune-up or if it needs replaced?
A well-maintained furnace can last 15-20 years. So, if you’re not the home’s first owner, you’ll probably have to do a little research to figure out the furnace’s age. Fortunately, there are usually telltale signs other than age that indicate your unit needs to be replaced.
If you’ve noticed that you’re calling for furnace repair more frequently or that your energy bills keep climbing, it’s probably time to replace your furnace. Your furnace’s blower motor may be turning on and off more often than it used to. More red flags include rattling or banging sounds while running, uneven heating in different rooms, or debris coming from your vents. If you’re not sure if you need a replacement, our expert technicians can take an in-depth look at your system and discuss repair and replacement options with you if needed.
How long is a furnace tune-up usually?
Typically, the inspection process takes around an hour to complete, depending on your system’s configuration. Upon completion, your service technician will share his findings and offer professional recommendations about your system.
Does a furnace tune-up void my warranty?
No! In fact, if your furnace is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, it’s essential to schedule your furnace tune-up. Most furnace manufacturers strongly recommend annual maintenance by a professional HVAC technician, and damage caused by improper maintenance won’t be covered. Also, if you have a home warranty, regular furnace tune-ups are probably included in your plan.
What can I do in-between tune-ups to maintain my furnace’s performance?
First, you should always store flammable items such as gasoline, paint, or cleaning products far from your furnace. Second, it’s a good idea to clean or replace your furnace filters monthly. Finally, be sure to keep your registers and cold air return vents clear of obstructions such as furniture or boxes.
Your furnace works hard throughout the colder months of the year to keep your house comfortable, so consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. It’ll help give your furnace and your wallet a rest by running at cooler temperatures while you’re at work or asleep.
What else can I do to make my system last a long time?
As we all know, regular use takes a toll on your HVAC system. Fortunately, you can protect your system and improve your family’s comfort year-round with the Preventative Maintenance Program from Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling. Visit this page or call our friendly, expert team today at 844-HEY-NEIGHBOR to learn more.
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