Regular furnace maintenance with tune-ups is important for the long-term performance of your heating and cooling system. Getting your furnace tuned up is a preventative measure that can save you bundles in the long run. 6 & Fix is your source for checking furnace and HVAC systems whenever you need it. Your furnace can be tuned up anytime during the year. Most people do it in the early fall to ensure it is ready for the cold weather ahead, but you can get this service done anytime.
We recommend a regular schedule of tune-ups so you don’t have to think about scheduling it each year. Getting on a HVAC maintenance plan with a regular schedule can prevent having surprise breakdowns that cause you to be without heat. Of course, these can always happen. But if you are getting your furnace tuned up on a regular basis, it is less likely to fail at the most inopportune time. In this article, we give you the signs you may need a furnace tune-up and what is included in a tune-up.
When You May Need a Furnace Tune-Up
You may need a furnace tune-up when you find that your energy bills are higher, you have poor indoor air quality, or the furnace isn’t supplying the warm air you need. You may experience discomfort but you can also encounter health risks from carbon monoxide exposure when your furnace isn’t functioning properly. If you are noticing that there are unusual noises coming from the heating system, call for a tune-up. Noises like dripping, hissing, grinding, and groans can mean that parts are wearing out and need to be replaced.
What is Included in a Furnace Tune-Up?
A furnace tune-up involves an HVAC technician checking the moving parts of the furnace. Here is a complete checklist a technician normally performs for a heating system tune-up.
Clean the Blower Components
Since the blower components of the system play a major part in keeping your indoor air clean, it is important to clean them out to ensure their performance is not interrupted.
Inspect the Burner
Inspection of the burner on the furnace ensures that it is free of contamination so it continues to work at its best.
Clean Air Filters
Cleaning air filters improves the air flow and prevents your indoor air from becoming filled with contaminants.
Adjust Fan Control
Adjusting the fan on your furnace allows better air flow, therefore increasing the system’s efficiency and improving the indoor air quality.
Test Combustion Air Openings
Combustion air openings can become blocked and lower system efficiency. Testing these ensures that there is no blockage. If there is a blockage, the technician can remove it.
Inspect the Combustion Chamber
A contaminated combustion chamber prevents proper heating and can be a major safety hazard. An HVAC technician cleans out the chamber so the system is not putting you and your family at risk.
Inspect Heat Exchangers
Heat exchangers are at the heart of the furnace system. The transfer of heat from where it is generated to the medium that distributes heat throughout the house is crucial for efficiency.
Fix Thermostats
When your thermostat is not calibrated correctly, it affects your ability to set the temperature where you want it. The technician can determine the correct value and either calibrate the thermostat or determine whether you need a repair or replacement.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Components need the proper amount of lubrication to ensure the furnace doesn’t start making loud noises when it is operating as well as making sure it is working as efficiently as possible.
Inspect Belts for Cracks
Belts require flexibility, but they can also crack. Sometimes cracks aren’t easily visible, however a thorough inspection will find even the smallest cracks that need to be repaired.
Inspect the Flue
During the tune-up, a technician will check the flue to see if a duct or pipe is blocked by contaminants or combustion products.
Replace the Thermocouples
A thermocouples measures the temperature in the system. This can be one of the most common sources of early furnace failure.
Tighten Electrical Components
Tightening wires and inspecting connections can help prevent malfunctions and the need for costly repairs down the road.
Test Manifold Gas Pressures
By testing the manifold pressure, the technician can identify whether there are any gas flow issues going from the source to the main burners.
Adjust the Pilot Light
The technician will check the pilot light to make sure it is functioning correctly. The pilot light must be functioning correctly in order to properly turn on the system. The color of the pilot light is also checked because a yellow pilot light can indicate the presence of carbon monoxide.
Check the Gas Line for Leaks
A gas leak is a safety hazard. A technician has the equipment and experience to detect leaks so you won’t experience a fire or combustion.
Check Safety Controls
Safety controls should be checked regularly to be sure the furnace isn’t putting anyone in jeopardy.
Conduct Operational Test
At the end of the tune-up, the technician will initiate and complete a full operational test to make sure that the tune-up was done correctly. This test will indicate that the furnace is in working order and functioning properly.
Contact 6 & Fix in Raleigh For Furnace Tune-Ups
6 & Fix’s Comfort Guy can come to your house and ensure your furnace is in good shape. Our tune-up service is performed by experienced and professional technicians. We serve Raleigh, Cary, Durham, and surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (919) 736-6661
