Tuning up a furnace just before the winter season is the only surefire way to guarantee peak performance and extend the lifespan of the system. In fact, good furnace tune-ups should bring a whole range of benefits to homeowners, including great energy and financial savings.
But what does a proper furnace tune-up look like? What are the tasks that should be performed to keep furnaces running in top shape? Keep on reading to find out what furnace tune-ups should include and if homeowners should invest in a furnace maintenance service every year.
What should furnace tune-ups include?
Just like any other system, a furnace is subject to wear and tear, the effects of which can be greatly reduced with routine preventive maintenance. In order to make sure that all of the furnace components function optimally and safely, and nip less serious issues in the bud, HVAC technicians should perform the following maintenance tasks:
Cleaningfurnace tune-ups
Many furnace parts tend to become dusty and dirty with time, such as the coil and the fan blades, the blower, the drain line, and the outdoor unit. The coil is particularly challenging to clean as it’s quite easy to mess up the fan blades while removing the dirt. This is why only professional technicians should perform furnace clean-ups for their customers.
Inspections infurnace tune-ups
A furnace tune-up should include a series of inspections designed to catch early signs of problems and resolve them before they get out of hand and result in expensive repairs. This may include looking for signs of cracks, checking for electrical issues, inspecting the heat exchanger, and checking the thermostat settings.
Running tests in furnace tune-ups
Testing furnace components is an essential part of a furnace maintenance check-up. This is especially important in oil and gas furnaces, where undetected fumes and leaks may be a potential safety hazard. HVAC technicians usually test the airflow, fuel pressure, igniter or pilot, thermostat controls, and other components.
Lubricating parts in furnace tune-ups
Different moving parts in a furnace should be lubricated every couple of years to ensure peak performance. In particular, lubricating motor components is essential to prevent serious motor damage.
Additional adjustments in furnace tune-ups
Depending on the specific model and type of the furnace, HVAC technicians may perform additional inspections and advanced testing to make sure everything is in good shape. They may test carbon monoxide levels, check the system’s controls, and do any other tasks necessary for ensuring optimal efficiency and comfort.
Shouldfurnace tune-upsbe serviced every year?
All furnace manufacturers and service technicians recommend annual furnace tune-ups. Although a furnace may not break down immediately if a single check-up is skipped, yearly maintenance is by far the most effective way to prevent expensive repairs and extend furnace lifespan. As for the best time to perform furnace maintenance, most experts agree that fall tune-ups seem to be the best option for homeowners as they prepare the heating system for the upcoming winter.
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