A furnace is a complex system composed of various components that work together to create a comfortable and healthy environment for your home. This guide will help you determine how often to schedule furnace maintenance, why it is important, and what a professional does during a tune-up appointment.
Furnace Tune-Up Frequency
You should hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect and maintain your furnace at least once a year, preferably before you start using it heavily. A fall appointment ensures your heating system is ready to handle the cold weather ahead. If your technician finds any significant issues with your system, a fall tune-up also gives you time to make repairs before the heating season starts. There are several reasons why annual maintenance is important.
1. It Ensures Your Family’s Safety
Furnaces require robust safety features because they burn fossil fuels to produce heat. For instance, the flame sensor detects if your pilot light goes out and stops the fuel supply so that unburned gas does not leak into your home. Alternatively, the pressure switch ensures that a furnace operates only when the venting system is clear to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, the limit switch monitors your heating system’s temperature and shuts it down if it overheats to reduce fire hazards. During annual maintenance, your HVAC professional will ensure all these safety features and others are in good condition.
2. Improved Performance
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests neglecting regular tune-ups can significantly reduce your furnace’s effectiveness. A poorly maintained furnace can lose up to 30% of its heating efficiency. This means that not only will your home take longer to heat up, but you’ll also end up spending more on energy bills. Regular maintenance can also help with issues like inadequate heating, cold spots, and poor air quality.
3. Fewer Repairs
A significant benefit of annual maintenance is that it can prevent the need for major repairs. Your technician can often identify minor issues before they develop into expensive problems. For example, they may find a worn-out belt in the blower assembly. If left unattended, this small problem could lead to a complete motor failure, resulting in the need for an expensive replacement. Investing in regular tune-ups saves you money in the long term and can prevent inconvenient emergency breakdowns when you need heating the most.
4. Increased Life Expectancy
Regular maintenance of your furnace significantly extends its life expectancy. When components are cleaned and serviced, the system operates more efficiently and experiences less wear and tear. For instance, regularly replacing worn belts and lubricating moving parts can prevent unnecessary strain on the unit, allowing it to function optimally for years.
Most furnaces last between 15 to 20 years with proper care. Consistent maintenance can help you reach the upper limit and reduce your chances of having to replace your heating system prematurely.
5. A Tune-Up Validates Your Furnace’s Warranty
Manufacturers understand that furnaces need regular maintenance to stay in good working condition. That’s why many include a clause in their warranty requiring homeowners to schedule routine tune-ups. If you neglect this maintenance and your furnace breaks down, your warranty may be voided, leaving you responsible for the full cost of repairs. On the other hand, if you keep up with the required tune-ups and keep the documentation provided by your technician, the warranty will likely cover the repairs or even a system replacement, saving you significant money.
A Professional Furnace Tune-Up Checklist
A professional furnace tune-up is a comprehensive process that involves thoroughly inspecting, cleaning, and servicing various components of your system. This approach ensures everything is working efficiently.
1. Inspection
During a professional furnace tune-up, the first step is a detailed inspection of all critical components. Your technician will check the heat exchanger for any cracks or damage, which can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. They will also inspect the burner and ignition system to ensure the furnace lights and burns fuel safely and efficiently. Additionally, they will examine the flue and vent system to confirm there are no obstructions that could prevent exhaust gases from adequately venting out of your home.
2. Cleaning
After the inspection, the technician will thoroughly clean various components of your heating system to ensure optimal performance. They typically disassemble the blower assembly. During this step, they remove dust and debris from the blower housing, fan blades, and motor, which can reduce airflow and strain the system.
They also ensure the burner jets are free of clogs to ensure proper fuel combustion. Additionally, your professional will vacuum out the combustion chamber and clean off the flame sensor. If grime covers the sensor, it cannot accurately sense when the burner is lit, potentially causing a safety shutdown. Finally, they will clean the soot buildup off the heat exchanger, which can interfere with efficient heat transfer to your home.
3. Lubrication and Electrical Connections
A qualified technician will ensure that all electrical connections in your system are tight and in good working order. Loose connections can create electrical resistance, which generates heat and poses a fire hazard. Additionally, the technician will lubricate moving parts, such as the blower motor and fan bearings, to reduce friction and wear. Proper lubrication minimizes strain on the components, allowing them to operate more smoothly and efficiently, ultimately extending the lifespan of your furnace and enhancing its overall performance.
4. Providing Recommendations
Finally, your technician may suggest recommendations that could enhance the efficiency of your furnace. This may include upgrading to a smart thermostat, having your ducts cleaned, or improving your home’s insulation.
What You Can Do Between Professional Visitis
One of the most vital furnace maintenance tasks is changing the air filter when necessary. The filter prevents debris from entering your heating system and damaging its internal components. It also plays an essential role in maintaining indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate through your living spaces. However, when a filter becomes clogged, it can cause a host of issues for your heating system, including making it work harder to keep your home comfortable.
Experts recommend that you replace your furnace filter at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours out more often based on factors like how many people live in your home and if you have pets. Additionally, if you use higher-quality filters because someone in your house has respiratory issues, they need replacement more often because they capture more airborne particulate matter. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when they need attention.
Your Local Furnace Experts
At Perfect, Plumbing Heating & Air, we have been serving the residents of Boise, ID and the surrounding areas since 1984. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. In addition, we can help with all your indoor air quality needs, including installing air purifiers and whole-home humidity control systems.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable team members, ask us about our /perfect-care-club/.
