What to Expect from a Furnace Tune-Up
Work, errands, bills, house chores, kids (for some): Those of us who live or work in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, Lisle or Plainfield have plenty to manage in a week. With so much to keep track of, we’re probably not thinking a whole lot about our furnace.
Is our heating system in the right shape to keep us warm, safe and comfortable this autumn and winter? We often just tend to hope so, and we’ll usually take care of our furnace only when it’s clear it needs attention. At that point, the problem might be further along – and more expensive to fix.
A great way to keep your furnace low on your list of concerns during the cold months is to schedule an annual tune-up. This helps ensure that your system is thoroughly checked for proper condition and performance.
A regular tune-up can help keep your warranty active as well. Many furnace manufacturers will void the warranty if they determine a malfunction was caused by a lack of maintenance. Having your furnace tuned up each year can help protect your investment and guard you from costly repairs.
With those things being said, you might then wonder what to expect from a tune-up. We’ll discuss that here.
Furnace Tune-Up in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, Lisle, Plainfield: What to Expect
A proper furnace tune-up involves cleaning, inspecting and testing the unit, as well as freshly lubricating moving parts. The inspection will further verify the system does not pose safety risks such gas leaks or overheating.
The tune-up technician will adjust anything needed for proper operation as well. Spotting and correcting any issues while they are still minor can save a lot of inconvenience and money.
Just a few of many specific steps in a tune-up include:
- checking the air filter
- vacuuming debris from the unit
- testing system wiring and controls
- confirming proper system airflow
- cleaning coils and burners
- inspecting the combustion system for leaks
- examining electrical components (e.g. safety switch)
- checking and adjusting gas pressure and air mix
- ensure proper drainage of condensation
- testing and cleaning flame sensors
- removing soot from burners
- inspecting the heat exchanger
- testing the condenser fan motor capacitor
- inspecting service valves for leaks
- testing for proper voltage
- aligning and tightening belts and pulleys
After completing the tune-up, the technician will provide you with a written assessment of the inspection as well as maintenance recommendations for the next year. The report might also list any suggested repairs if they are considered important.
What to Expect After a Tune-Up
The results of scheduling annual furnace maintenance typically include:
greater system function. Regular maintenance reduces factors that affect efficiency, such as dirt and debris, wear and tear, and system flaws and obstructions. In some cases, a yearly tune-up can help improve energy efficiency by up to 30%.
enhanced air quality. Your properly cleaned and inspected HVAC system helps move cleaner, purer air through your spaces.
lower energy costs. A heating system that is well maintained will work less to heat your home. It will require less gas and electrical power, which helps keep your utility bills down.
a longer-lasting heating system. Like anything mechanical, your system has a finite life span. Depending on the model, a furnace will serve an average of 10 to 20 years. Lack of regular maintenance is a main reason for having to replace a furnace early. Scheduling an annual tune-up can help add years to its performance.
Here for Answers and Service
At Beery Heating and Cooling, we’ve been supporting Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Oswego and Lisle with furnace maintenance for a long time, so if you would ever like to discuss what to expect from a tune-up, just give us a call at (630) 585-6444. We’ll be glad to hear from you and assist you.
We are available for residential and commercial furnace tune-ups throughout the area, also including Plano, Yorkville, Batavia, Sugar Grove, North Aurora and Montgomery.