Furnace tune-ups are critical to the maximum efficiency of your heating system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is the use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Critical components like air filters and heat exchangers need tune-ups to remain effective. Preventative maintenance ensures a long life for your furnace.
Is a Furnace Tune-up Necessary?
Preventive maintenance, tune-up, is crucial to the smooth operation of a home’s heating system, whether it is a furnace, heat pump, or boiler. In cold weather, long periods of operation will take its toll on the equipment to diminish its efficiency and comfort control. Dust buildup, wear and tear, and even damaged duct lines can keep your furnace from operating at its best. However, during tune ups, HVAC technicians inspect, clean, lubricate, calibrate, and tighten your system components, helping your furnace run as efficiently. During routine system tune ups, technicians check your system for problems, such as an ignition sequence that isn’t lighting properly or a cracked heat exchanger. Gas pressure and safety sensors will also be checked to ensure they are in good working order.
When the heating system runs as it should, the home’s occupants gain better control over indoor temperatures, better air quality, and more reliable warmth. Regular maintenance counteracts the wear and tear that will damage the system and keeps everything operating at its best.
Benefits of a tune-up by professionals include:
- Performance improvement
- Improved comfort control
- Increased efficiency
- Lower energy cost
- Protection against breakdowns
- Proactive repairs for signs of wear and tear
- Safe operation
- Prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Longer life of equipment
- Saving money
- Warranty protection, skipping furnace tune-ups can void the manufacturer’s warranty
Frequency of Tune-ups
Annual tune-ups ensure the best operation of your HVAC system. Heat Pumps need twice a year service: once for heating season and once for air conditioning season. Forced air furnaces heat most single-family homes, around 35 million, in the United States. A forced air furnace will last about 16 years without tune-ups and about thirty years with tune-ups
Furnace Tune-up includes:
- Comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and service for all heating system components
- Check operation of system and safety controls
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Change air filter
- Clean furnace interior and exterior
- Test thermostat function
- Adjust thermostat calibration
- Lubrication of blower motor bearings
- Check and adjust the blower fan belt’s tension
- Check performance of pilot or electronic ignition system
- Cleaning and inspection of burners and burner assembly
- Measure and adjust gas pressure
- Measure current and voltage of electrical components
- Tighten electrical connections
- Inspect fuel lines
- Testing exhaust system function
- Measure carbon monoxide levels
Schedule your furnace tune-up this winter. The efficiency and performance improvements ensure the furnace is ready to deliver warmth and comfort throughout the frosty days. Remember furnaces need to be checked, cleaned, and cared for every year.