You don’t want to get caught off guard when you’re in the middle of winter, especially if you are expecting guests. That’s why it’s essential to ensure your furnace is properly maintained. A furnace tune-up is an annual service that can help your furnace run more efficiently and last longer. Furnaces are expensive to repair or replace, so a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.
Tune-ups are simple, but it’s important to know what to look for during the furnace inspection. The technician will check the belts, blower wheel, and bearings. Some will also clean out the burners and check the flue pipe for corrosion and obstructions. They will also test the thermostat and make sure it’s working correctly.
When are you due for a furnace tune-up?
How do you know if you need a furnace tune-up? If it’s time for a tune-up or you have noticed any problems with your heating or cooling system, here are some signs to look out for:
Your furnace isn’t delivering enough heat
If you have noticed that your home isn’t getting as warm as usual, then this might mean that something is not right with your furnace. A professional can determine if your system is working or if there are problems that need to be addressed with your system.
Your furnace has trouble starting up
When your furnace has trouble starting up, that’s usually a signal that it’s not getting enough natural gas to get through the burn cycle. The solution might be as simple as turning up the thermostat (you might want to turn it down again at night when you’re sleeping), or the problem might be the pilot light. If you have an electric furnace, call an HVAC professional because it may be time for a new furnace altogether.
Your furnace is noisy
If there is excessive noise coming from your furnace, it might need a tune-up. The blower motor will make some noise but if the noises coming from the unit are loud or unusual, let a professional take a look at it.
You notice excessive leaks from your furnace
If you notice leaks coming from around your furnace, it needs to be repaired by a professional quickly. This could be caused by improper installation or faulty parts.
Your furnace has trouble shutting off
If you have to struggle to turn off your furnace, it may be on its way out. It could be due to erosion or corrosion of parts within the switch. When this happens, you might get zapped while trying to turn it off. The only way to prevent this from happening is to keep up with routine maintenance and replace parts before they fail.
Your furnace smells bad
A foul odor coming from the vents could indicate that your ducts are dirty, or it could mean that something inside the unit has burned out. If this occurs, you should contact a professional immediately to get it repaired or replaced before it causes more damage to other parts of the furnace unit.
Your energy bills are high
If your annual heating bill suddenly jumps 10 percent or more, there may be something wrong with your furnace. Check the settings on your thermostat, or have someone come take a look at the furnace itself.
Furnace Tune-Up FAQs
- How many times a year should you have a furnace inspection?
You should have your furnace inspected at least once a year by a professional who can identify problems early and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Because furnaces are expensive to repair or replace, an annual inspection is an excellent investment in keeping your family safe and comfortable throughout the winter months.
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