Heating Tune-Up, What’s Involved and Do I Really Need One

A heating system is integral to keeping your family warm during the cold of winter. On average, a furnace is going to last between 15 to 20 years, but it needs proper maintenance in the form of a heating tune-up to continue working at its prime.

When the temperatures dip lower, it is time to schedule your annual heating tune-up appointment. A tune-up is critical for the safe operation of your furnace. If you are wondering if a heating tune-up is really necessary, the answer is yes.

Why Does Your Heater Need a Tune-Up?

Maintenance is essential for heating units. Over time, wear and tear can cause problems with their function. The following are some of the top reasons homeowners need to schedule a heater tune-up.

Safety Is Tops

Safety is the number one priority for seeking a heater tune-up. You may not realize that a heating system that has not been maintained can be a fire hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, one in six home fires begins with a faulty furnace. A furnace tune-up will keep your heating system operating safely so you do not have to worry about the risks of fires.

Reliability

Heating systems that are not maintained are more likely to experience breakdowns. It can be highly stressful to have a heater go out in the middle of a cold spell.

Regular maintenance can help homeowners avoid the need for heating repair. Did you know a single broken component in your heater can cause wear and tear on other parts and degrade the lifespan of the unit?

By scheduling a heater maintenance appointment, you can rest assured your furnace will be ready to go the moment the temperatures begin to drop. We check every aspect of furnaces to ensure no repair issues are present.

Energy Efficiency

Heating a home can be expensive during the winter, especially with an older furnace that has not received ample maintenance. If your heating costs are slowly creeping up each year, that old furnace could be to blame.

Furnaces that are maintained through a tune-up work much more efficiently. Tune-ups keep your system working at peak performance, helping you to avoid increasing electricity costs.

Not only will better energy efficiency help homeowners save money, but it will also reduce their carbon footprints. Because the furnace is not wasting fuel, the environment benefits, and so do your family and your neighbors.

To further reduce your carbon footprint, we encourage you to install a programmable thermostat. These thermostats regulate the output of your furnace, allowing you to save money by conserving energy. It only takes minor adjustments to see savings.

Improved Air Quality

The EPA repeatedly warns that homes can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outdoors. One of the top reasons for concern is faulty furnaces.

Forced air heating systems, over time, will begin to develop a buildup of soot, dust, and sediment. When we come out to perform a tune-up, our technicians take care of all of these, making your heating system work better and run cleaner.

A properly maintained furnace is going to make the air inside your home much cleaner. Regularly cleaning the furnace also produces other benefits, including a reduction in allergy and asthma symptoms.

When furnaces malfunction, some rooms are going to be colder and more uncomfortable than others. To maintain comfort in your home and good indoor air quality, your furnace needs a tune-up each year before being turned on during the fall and winter months.

Peace of Mind

For some, peace of mind is the main reason for seeking a furnace tune-up. Some winters can become dreadfully cold. Without a working furnace, your home could become unbearably cold and put your family in danger.

When we come out for a heater tune-up, we check every component of your furnace. If we find any concerns, we will report them to you right away. Having peace of mind in knowing your heater is working properly is priceless.

Why Do You Need a Heater Tune-Up Every Year?

Now that you know the importance of getting a heater tune-up, you need to understand why it is necessary to have one every year. Why is one appointment here and there not enough?

Your heating system is a well-oiled machine with many moving parts and components. Just like your car, a heating system needs maintenance because of the wear and tear that occur during operation.

Even new systems experience wear and tear from the moment they are installed. Over time, the damage becomes progressive and can lead to breakdowns and repair issues.

Suppose your system has a loose wire. You are unaware the wire is loose, so you continue to operate the heater daily. A loose wire can cause sparks that could lead to fires. With our tune-up special, you will not have to worry about issues like this causing your family to be in danger.

Scheduling a yearly heater tune-up will ensure your heating system is operating at its prime. Without maintenance, a heating system is going to break down more often, and its lifespan will be greatly decreased. You want your investment to last as long as possible, right?

A new furnace costs thousands of dollars to install. Why would you invest in a heating system and not do what it takes to keep the unit running properly?

When Should You Schedule a Yearly Heater Tune-Up?

Although homeowners schedule tune-ups throughout the year, we recommend scheduling in early fall before you need to turn on the heater for the first time.

Our tune-up appointments give homeowners great peace of mind. They do not feel stressed when it comes time to turn on their heaters for the winter.

What Is Involved in a Heater Tune-Up?

Our heating tune-ups are highly advanced and fully detailed. We leave no stone unturned in the process. You can expect your tune-up service to include the following.

• We will use a special camera to check the furnace and heat exchanger for any signs of damage.
• We will inspect the blower wheel to ensure it is clean and balanced.
• We will check your ignition system for safe operation and proper venting.
• Our technicians will check the safety control circuits for safe operation.
• We will also inspect the exhaust system to ensure it is properly vented.
• We will inspect the blower motor bearings to ensure they are not experiencing wear and tear.
• We will perform testing to measure the temperature differences between the supply and return.
• Our technicians will thoroughly check the blower capacitor function.
• We will brush, clean, and vacuum the burners.
• We will brush, clean, and vacuum the heat exchanger.
• We will test the pilot light for a clean and efficient burn.
• If necessary, we will clean or change any existing filters.
• Our team lubricates all moving parts in the heater to ensure they are protected.
• We will measure and make adjustments to the gas pressure to ensure top efficiency.
• Our technicians will measure the voltage and amperage of the blower motor.
• We will inspect and tighten all electrical wiring components.
• We will check for proper combustion air.
• Our team will check for any gas leaks.
• We will inspect the inducer assembly for proper operation and leaks.

As you can see, a heater tune-up is more than a simple operation. We take great pride in the extensive services we provide to our customers. Your family’s safety is our top priority. Ensuring your furnace is working safely puts your mind at ease as well as ours.

Can Homeowners Do Their Own Maintenance?

You might think it would be easy to maintain your furnace alone. Check the filter, tighten a few screws, and you are done. While reading the list above, would you have the knowledge, tools, and equipment to conduct each one properly? If you cannot answer with an emphatic yes, do not try it because it could put your family in danger.

Sure, there are maintenance chores you can do alone. Keeping the filter changed is one of the easiest ones. You can also clear debris from around the outdoor unit to allow for proper airflow. For the rest, leave them to our expert hands.

Will a Heating Tune-Up Really Help You Save Money?

We are not simply trying to sell you an unnecessary service. It is in your best interest to seek a yearly heating tune-up. You may be surprised to learn the average American household spends $2,200 a year on energy costs.

A furnace tune-up can make your furnace work up to 30% more efficiently. Greater efficiency means more money in your pocket.

Call us today to schedule a heating tune-up. Scheduling these appointments each year will give you great peace of mind. Heaters that receive proper maintenance last longer and are less likely to break down.

When a bit of a chill starts in the air, call us right away for your tune-up appointment. Our team comes equipped to get the job done efficiently so you can go about your day with a smile, knowing your heating system is safe.