What to Expect from a Furnace Tune-Up

We all know the importance of calling an HVAC technician when our furnaces stop working, but many of us don’t realize the importance of regular maintenance. Furnace tune-ups are not just about making sure things are running well. Tune-ups are all about inspecting, cleaning, repairs (if necessary), and ensuring your unit is running at peak efficiency. v Keep in mind, this is just scratching the surface! These are all common and typical, but depending on the age, manufacturer, and general state of your unit, additional items will need to be taken care of.

Clean blower compartment

This is one of the more important tasks taken care of during a furnace tune-up because blower motors and capacitors are one of the most expensive parts to replace. When the blower compartment goes uncleaned for many years, it must work harder to push warm air throughout your home which shortens its lifespan.

Inspect wiring

Inspecting the wiring ensures your furnace runs safely and prevents an untimely repair. If something goes wrong with the electrical, you may have to replace the circuit board, another very expensive part to replace.

Clean burner

Oftentimes the burner will get dirty from dust and debris, and as it burns natural gas, it will also burn everything around it. For safety, air quality and longevity, it is important the burner gets cleaned from time to time.

Inspect heat exchanger

The heat exchanger rarely needs much attention besides an inspection, but this inspection is a critical safety measure. If your heat exchanger is cracked or broken, carbon monoxide will leak into your unit and throughout your home.

Filter cleaning or replacement

Regularly changing or cleaning your furnace filter is absolutely necessary! A clean filter will keep all other parts in the furnace clean and running properly. This is something you can and should be doing as often as your manufacturer suggests, but an HVAC technician will take care of this for you during a furnace tune-up.

Pilot light inspection

Your pilot light indicates whether your furnace is receiving the right amount, too much, or too little natural gas, or there is something else burning altogether. The pilot light is a great way to tell if multiple parts within the furnace are doing their job.

Lubricate moving parts

Lubricating all the furnace’s moving parts will reduce friction. When there’s friction, the motor must work harder to reach your desired temperature, which requires more gas/electricity, and it could result in a premature failure.

Advice and tips

When you get a furnace tune-up, you may receive some advice on things you can maintain yourself, things you may need to do differently, and things you need to look out for. This advice is indispensable and will save you money in the long run.

Additional items taken care of during a tune-up include:

• Check duct connection and airflow
• Inspect the thermostat
• Inspect condensate line
• Test safety controls
• Inspect the belts

It might go without saying, but we believe tune-ups are very important! Are you in need of a furnace tune-up? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and provides furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.