Do You Need A Furnace Tune-Up?

Scheduling a furnace inspection isn’t always on your mind and at the top of your priorities. However, during the cold winter months it becomes essential for your furnace to be in good working order and able to provide your family maximum comfort! Among the leading ways to stop your furnace from breaking down in the middle of winter and making sure it runs efficiently, is to have regular inspections. Just like any mechanical equipment, the working life of a furnace will be extended with preventative maintenance, by ensuring that all the elements of the unit are performing efficiently. In addition, regular cleanings can help pinpoint issues before they become real problems, which can end up saving you costlier emergency repairs. Here are some questions you might still have, and considerations to take into account.

Is your warranty void without regular tune-ups?

Many manufacturers’ warranties call for annual HVAC maintenance to remain valid, which means that skipping your tune-ups can sometimes result in losing your heating system’s warranty. No warranty means that any cost for repairs or equipment comes directly out of your pocket. Get all you can from your warranty by making sure it stays valid as long as possible with annual furnace tune-ups from your HVAC professional. This doesn’t mean that an annual check-up is always mandatory or your warranty is void. It is simply recommended; think of it as a preventative measure.

Can you fix some issues on your own?

There are indeed some things you can do on your own before calling an HVAC expert. You can inspect your air filters. They’re surprisingly important to your furnace’s efficiency. Dirty filters can mean a number of comfort problems for homeowners such as: restricted airflow, reduced efficiency, or increased energy bills. It’s as simple as taking out your filter, holding it up to the light, and if you can’t see through, it means it’s time to change it. Just buy a new one, they’re disposable and you can find them in any hardware store. On the new one, write the date on which you install it so you’ll know when you have to change it (check the packaging to see how long that should be). You should also check your thermostat. Make sure it is set to Heat and not Cool, or that the temperature setting is above the current indoor temperature. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your thermostat’s battery, now is as good a time as ever. When the cold first starts and you first switch over to the heat setting, turn your thermostat up a few extra degrees to ensure that it’s working properly and heating your home. One last thing that’s easy for you to do is to ensure that your air vents are open. While you might think that closing the vents in rooms that you don’t use will save you money, it could instead damage your furnace and make it less efficient. When vents are closed, it increases the pressure in your furnace, making it work harder to heat your home. In the long run this could end up reducing its lifespan and costing you way more in repairs.

What can you expect from a furnace tune-up?

A furnace tune-up will result in improved function and an increased lifespan for your HVAC system. Your furnace will lose efficiency over time; due to dust and dirt accumulation in the ducts and filter, natural wear and tear, and build-up in the drains and on the burners. During a tune-up, the technician will identify failing parts that need replacing, as well as clean what needs cleaning. All of this will instantly improve your furnace’s energy efficiency significantly, which also means lower energy bills. Your HVAC system is a valuable investment with a limited lifetime. Depending on use, and with proper maintenance, you can expect your HVAC to last between 8 to 18 years before you need a new one. However, poor maintenance will only further shorten your HVAC’s lifespan and end up costing you more money in the long-run.

You can always call Fresh Air Furnace Services to get an estimate of the cost of a furnace tune-up. You might be thinking it’s a bigger investment than it actually is, especially when you consider how much you would end-up paying if you need emergency repairs. Take action now and be prepared! You’ll be better off doing it now, rather than waiting for your furnace to stop working properly. Give us a call today at 403-452-9528!