Professional Furnace Tune-Up Services
Just as there are regular oil changes that are done on a car it is also important to have regular tune-ups on a furnace. Without regular maintenance, your furnace will lose efficiency and could break down unexpectedly. Whether your furnace makes odd noises or runs fine, getting it tuned up can help keep your family warm throughout the winter.
What does a furnace tune-up cover?
Breakdowns are inconvenient and uncomfortable, whether the furnace is used mainly for comfort, or to keep temperatures above freezing. When a professional is tuning up your furnace, they will inspect the various parts and repair any damages to ensure that it lasts for a long time. Sudden breakdowns can be prevented through regular inspection of the furnace to overcome recurring problems and frequent replacement. They can likewise enable the furnace to run all the more effectively and set aside you cash on your heating bills throughout the entire winter.
During a tune-up, a professional will:
- test the safety and limit switches
- test the heating elements
- recalibrate the thermostat
- check for system leaks and tears or gaps in the ductwork
- lubricate the mechanical parts
- clean the major components of the furnace
- pilot system and/or electrical components
Why is a tune-up necessary?
There are far more compelling reasons to have your furnace cleaned regularly than simply keeping it looking nice. When you have a cleaner furnace then it will run more smoothly compared with a dirty one. Something as small as cleaning out the coils or even having the airflow filters replaced can actually make a significant change to your electric bill. You may soon see your electric bill start to become less from this.
Another step that is important in tuning up a furnace is to have the pilot system tested. When fuel doesn’t burn all the way a yellow flame rather than blue is a signal, dangerous carbon monoxide buildup can occur, resulting in significant danger for anyone exposed. You can find out if your furnace is likely to emit this dangerous gas by contacting a certified professional.
Not exclusively do check ups set aside your cash on your energy bills, however, they can set aside your cash over the long haul by evading expensive fixes over the life of your unit. After all, if you don’t take care of it, you’ll have to have it repaired more. Inefficient components in it can make the furnace ineffective and quicker to wear out. Eventually, you’ll get to a point where the parts are too expensive and it’s more cost-effective to replace the unit instead.
While the furnace is typically out of the mind of the homeowner when it doesn’t winter, it needs to be given attention before the season of winter to prevent it from breaking down during this time. A properly maintained furnace could last for as long as 20 years. You might even get 30 or 40 years of use out of your furnace, depending on your usage.
Having regular tune-ups will help you save money by avoiding expensive repairs, as well as lower your energy costs. Often manufacturers will only cover the cost of repair or replacement if there is proof of regular servicing. While your furnace may be running smoothly now, having it tuned-up can save you money on costly repairs.
How should homeowners maintain their furnaces between tune-ups?
Furnaces usually require minimal maintenance between checkups, unless something breaks. But there are some actions that you can take so that it can give you more years of efficient running.
One way to ensure that your furnace runs efficiently is to regularly change the air filter. Dirty filters can cause the airflow to slow down, which puts a strain on the mechanics, thereby making the furnace work much harder to produce the same results. If you have pets at home, it would be wise to change the air filter every 3 months. Filters help to filter out toxins, allergens, and other particles so that there can be clean air in your home.
Homeowners who close off the vents in certain rooms in a mistaken attempt to conserve energy may be inadvertently putting unnecessary strain on their furnace, which can result in damage to the unit. In addition to that when vents are closed this can be the cause of mold growth in the ductwork. In the long run, a closed vent isn’t likely to save you any money since it could cause the furnace to wear out quicker.
Make sure that the area where your furnace vents to the outside of your home are not obstructed by debris, such as animal nests, that can restrict airflow. When the seasons start to change, this time is the ultimate time to look for these problems. In case your furnace is apparently having issues when running, you can in like manner check for this before calling the experts for a fix.