Why Every Home Needs a Professional Furnace Tune-Up

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If you own a vehicle or any gas-powered tools, having regular maintenance performed is beneficial. Over time, carburetors might become misaligned, leading to excessive fuel consumption, stalling due to insufficient fuel supply, or difficulties starting attributed to worn-out spark plugs.

However, when discussing furnaces, one local HVAC contractor preferred not to use the term "tune-up," opting instead for "maintenance." Another local contractor didn't mind using the phrase "tune-up" but refused to disclose what exactly was included since he viewed this as proprietary information. Seriously?

Luckily, Mark Fisher from New York City, who serves as the general manager for HomeServe Energy Services, along with Mark Woodruff based in Texas, an engineer and senior product manager at Trane Residential, gladly provided their assistance. This advice is crucial for all homeowners since a furnace that isn’t properly cared for tends to malfunction more frequently than one would think, and fixing these issues can be quite costly.

What Does a Furnace Tune-Up Entail?

Overall, it's a check to make sure the furnace The system operates efficiently and consumes minimal fuel. keeping energy costs down .

Fisher offered a comprehensive checklist which he claims can be completed in roughly one hour.

  • Examine the safety systems and control measures.
  • Check/adjust thermostats.
  • Check/clean burners.
  • Check/clean pilot.
  • Inspect and clean the gauge, then flush the low water cutoff.
  • Check filters and belts.
  • Inspect the flu pipe and check the chimney ventilation.
  • Inspect the oil levels in engines and pumps.
  • Check/clean blower assembly.
  • Inspect the condensate line, as needed.

There isn't an industry-standard for furnace maintenance checks, which means different service providers might dedicate varying amounts of time to them. Make certain to get and examine a detailed list of tasks that will be carried out prior to agreeing to anything in writing.

Is It Possible to Do a Furnace Tune-Up Yourself?

At times, certain chores are straightforward enough for homeowners to tackle on their own.

You can clean the blower assembly, typically located behind a detachable panel, by wiping it with a cloth or using compressed air to blow off the dust. If you have a high-efficiency furnace That transforms exhaust gases into liquid condensate, you can inspect the drain pan for accumulated water and clear the condensate drain using a wet/dry vacuum.

Many other jobs require specialized testing devices and a deep knowledge of furnace operations. While a resourceful homeowner could acquire this gear and read through their user guide, it usually makes more sense to have an expert handle these tasks.

Woodruff advises homeowners to regularly replace their furnace air filter. According to him, "Clogged filters hinder airflow, causing your HVAC system to operate more strenuously and decreasing its effectiveness." He recommends changing it at least once every quarter as a general guideline.

How Frequently Does a Furnace Require Maintenance?

The most frequent response is annually; however, not every homeowner adheres to this practice. According to Fisher, a 2023 HomeServe survey revealed that 21% of participants had never serviced their HVAC units, and an additional 18% had never replaced their filters.

"Heating and air conditioning systems are the most prone to malfunction in homes, as indicated by 28 percent of homeowners who reported needing repairs within the last year," he states.

Ultimately, it boils down to how effectively you desire your furnace to operate. An inefficiently running unit squanders fuel and has a higher probability of breaking down, leading to expensive emergency "What may appear as a small problem today could turn into a costly issue in the future if not resolved," Woodruff warns.

Adhering to an annual maintenance routine also makes sound fiscal sense because it aligns with what most manufacturers recommend. Typically, warranties require that you adhere to this schedule; otherwise, they may not cover any necessary repairs.

What Is the Price of a Furnace Tune-Up?

As per Fisher, the typical expense hovers at approximately $150. Should the maintenance inspection reveal issues requiring extra care, the price might edge slightly upwards. Nonetheless, this remains quite a deal when you consider that the usual repair cost tends to be closer to $450.

Heating System Care and Typical Fixes

Regardless of whether you're conducting regular upkeep or addressing typical problems, these key suggestions will help maintain your furnace’s efficiency.

  • Indicators Your Furnace Requires Maintenance
  • Basic Solutions When Your Heater Isn’t Functioning
  • How Performing Your Own Furnace Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Repair Costs
  • Frequent Odors from Your Furnace and How to Address Them
  • What Causes My Furnace to Leak Water?
  • What Causes My Furnace to Blow Cold Air?
  • Enhance Your Furnace Efficiency with This Easy Tip
  • What Causes the Furnace CondensateTrap to Be Filled with Water?
  • Why Has My Furnace Pilot Light Gone Out and What Steps Should I Take to Relight It?
  • Ways to Clean a Furnace Igniter

About the Experts

  • Mike Fisher serves as the general manager for energy services at HomeServe USA The firm provides home repair insurance policies across the country.
  • Mark Woodruff is an engineer and senior product manager at Trane Residential .

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