Hutchinson, MN Professional Furnace Tune-Up Services
Regular tune-ups are as important to a furnace-like the way oil changes are important to a car. Without regular maintenance, your furnace will lose efficiency and could break down unexpectedly. Even with no indications of a current or potential problem, it’s important to your family’s health and safety to have your furnace serviced regularly.
What does a furnace tune-up cover?
Sudden breakdowns can be a real problem, whether a family depends on their furnace to protect them from freezing, or just for moderate temperature for comfort. To help the furnace last as long as possible, regular tune-ups will involve inspection of all parts of the system as well as repair of any damage. These assessments can help forestall unexpected breakdowns and repeating issues. Also, they can ensure that your furnace runs more efficiently and save you money all winter long.
During a tune-up, a professional will:
- recalibrate the thermostat
- check for system leaks and tears or gaps in the ductwork
- lubricate the mechanical parts
- clean the major components of the furnace
- test the heating elements
- pilot system and/or electrical components
- test the safety and limit switches
Why is a tune-up necessary?
There are valid practical reasons for cleaning the inside of a furnace that has nothing to do with appearance. The cleanliness of a furnace is closely linked to operational efficiency. When you have the airflow filter replaced or you clean the coils, it will be more energy-efficient, and you will notice that your total energy bill each month is lower.
One important step in the tune-up process of your furnace is testing of the pilot system. When the burning of its fuel is incomplete, this can result in a dangerous level of carbon monoxide in the home. A certified professional can let you know if your furnace may emit dangerous gas.
A tune-up will not only save you money on your energy bill, but it will also save you money by helping you avoid costly repairs over the life of your unit. When they are not maintained, then this could lead to them being needed to be repaired frequently. Your unit will have to work harder, and thus wear out faster if parts are allowed to become dirty or become ineffective. When it becomes too expensive to repair a worn-out furnace, you’ll need to replace it, which is an expensive proposition.
Most people don’t think about their furnace until it breaks down in the middle of winter, but the best practice is to have yours serviced before the weather gets cold. A properly maintained furnace could last for as long as 20 years. Your furnace could even last as long as 30 to 40 years, depending on how frequently you use it and the climate you live in.
If your furnace is still covered by its warranty then you need to have it regularly tuned-up for the warranty to remain valid. Some companies will honor the warranty if the unit has been regularly maintained. Even a furnace that seems to be operating properly can benefit from a tuneup that could end up saving the homeowner the expense of a major repair at some point.
How should homeowners maintain their furnaces between tune-ups?
Unless there is something broken with it, a furnace has very few maintenance needs. There are some ways, however, that you can help your furnace last as much as you can and work efficiently until the next tuning is scheduled.
By regularly changing the air filter you are helping to maintain an efficient furnace. When there is a filter that is dirty this can lead to a strain on the mechanical parts of the furnace. Experts recommend swapping out air filters at least every three months, especially if you’re a pet owner. A filter will not only improve the function of your furnace, but will also filter out toxins, allergens, and particles so that your family can breathe clean air.
Some people close off certain air vents to try to control the airflow in their home, but that can put too much strain on your furnace, resulting in mechanical damage. Mold can grow inside the ducts because of closed air vents. Closing vents, contrary to what some homeowners think, won’t save any money in the long run because the furnace may need to be replaced sooner.
If your furnace vents are located outside then you need to make sure that there are no debris or critters that can cause blockages there. The best time to check for these issues is during the changing seasons. If there are problems in the furnace then you may check for blockages first before calling an expert.