Why Do You Need A Furnace Tune-Up?

Updated 2/27/19

A regular check-up for your furnace is probably at the bottom of your to-do list. However, as we approach the less-popular winter months, now is the smartest time to make sure your furnace is ready to provide you maximum comfort throughout the cold season. 
 
Among the leading ways to reduce furnace breakdowns and make sure it runs efficiently is with yearly scheduled tune-ups on your furnace. Just like all mechanical equipment, the life of a furnace will be prolonged with preventive maintenance, by ensuring that all the elements of the unit are working efficiently. In addition, regular cleanings can help pinpoint issues before they become big problems and you end up paying emergency rates on a cold winter night. Plus, because furnaces burn fuel to heat things up, it’s important to inspect all the various parts to ensure there aren’t any cracks or leaks that could impact the safety of your home. Taking the time to schedule a tune-up, even when it’s not making that odd rattling noise you’ve been ignoring, will save you time, stress, and money throughout the heating season. 

Is it true my warranty is voided if I don’t get my furnace serviced? 

Most manufacturers’ warranties require yearly system maintenance to keep valid, so missing your tune-ups can sometimes result in losing your heating system warranty, which can be major money if your equipment does ever stop working in the middle of winter. Make sure you get all you can from your warranty by keeping it valid as long as possible with yearly furnace system tune-ups from Rob's Albertan Service Experts. 

What can I do to troubleshoot my furnace before calling a tech for service? 

Here are a couple troubleshooting tips we suggest checking out early on in the heating season: 
 
1. Inspect your home’s air filter 
 
Air filters can easily be forgotten, but their importance to your home’s furnace efficiency cannot be overprovinced. Filthy air filters can lead to a variety of comfort annoyances for homeowners, including: 

• Running 
• Restricted airflow 
• Reduced efficiency 
• Increased energy bills 

If you take out your home’s air filter, hold it up to a light. If you can’t see light coming through it, it’s probably been a while since your last heating service, and likely time to replace it. If it’s a simple disposable air filter, just get a like-size new one. It’s also a good idea to write down the date you installed the new filter, so you know how old it is next time it needs to be changed. Read the filter packaging to see how long the new air filter is supposed to be used. 
 
2. Double check your thermostat. 

• One of the easiest tasks that homeowners can do is take a look at the thermostat. 
• Make sure it is set to Heat and not Cool, and that the temperature setting is higher than the current indoor temperature. 
• If you can’t remember the last time you changed your thermostat’s battery, now is the best time to do that. 
• When first going over to your heat setting, turn your thermostat up a few extra degrees to make certain that it is operating correctly and heating your home’s air. 

3. Open up your air vents. 
 
There’s a common misconception that you can boost your savings by shutting the vents (supply registers) in rooms that aren’t being used. Resist the urge to close them all, as doing so can actually increase the pressure in your furnace, making it work harder to heat your home. This can lead to failed blower motors, mold or mildew in your air ducts, damage to the compressor, a burst heat exchanger, and other problems. 

• Full inspection. The service should include a full visual and point review to check all the working parts of your furnace and duct system. A qualified technician should be able to let you know if your equipment or individual parts are showing signs of wear during this review. 
• Lubrication. Mechanical equipment needs lubrication to reduce friction between the moving parts. Your equipment tune-up should include a complete lubrication. 
• Pilot and gas pressure evaluation. As part of your tune-up, adjustments should be made to the pilot and gas pressure as needed to restore these elements to manufacturer specifications. 
• Filter replacement. A comprehensive furnace tune-up should include a standard 1” filter replacement with your service. Most furnace filters need to be swapped out at least every three months, which can improve efficiency and prevent operational glitches. 

• Written assessment. Credible HVAC companies will also give you their analysis in writing or on the receipt with your tune-up, including their professional maintenance proposal for the coming year. This important information can help you establish the current condition of your furnace and how you can lower your energy bills. 

 4. Is your Furnace Receiving Electricity? 

Shift the thermostat to “on” from “auto” to force the fan to operate. If the fan does come on, power is working correctly, but if it doesn’t, your furnace might not be receiving power. 

5. Is the Furnace Switch Working Properly? 

Each furnace has a power switch (similar to a light switch) either on the furnace or on a nearby wall. Flip the switch and wait a few minutes to see if it helps to turn the furnace on. Also confirm that all access panels and doors on the furnace are completely closed. 

6. Condensate Drainage 

High-efficiency furnaces can drain off several gallons of water each day. If the drain lines aren’t clear and open, the furnace will shut down. 

7. Check Vents for Blockage 

If your furnace vents out the side of the house, assess the situation to see if anything could be blocking the intake or exhaust. Be sure the surrounding region isn’t obstructed by leaves, animal nests, or snow/ice. 

What Should You Expect After a Furnace Tune-Up? 

Improved Function 
 
Your heating and air conditioning system naturally loses energy efficiency over time. This loss of efficiency is due to many factors, including dust and dirt, natural wear and tear, and buildup in drains or on burners. Keeping your heating system maintained with annual professional tune-ups can control these factors. During your tune-up, your maintenance technician will clean and check over your unit, identifying areas of wear and tear. They can identify failing parts in need of replacement before they become a serious problem. A tune-up alone may instantly improve energy efficiency by up to 30%. You’ll also enjoy cleaner air and a cleaner home because your HVAC equipment will be distributing clean air through a clean air filter. Perhaps one of the largest benefits you’ll enjoy following a fall furnace or AC tune-up is lower utility bills. A neglected HVAC system must work more to heat and cool your home, while a furnace or air conditioner that has been professionally tuned can take less energy to guarantee indoor comfort. Because your heating system will function more efficiently, it will deliver superior heating at lower cost than you otherwise may have had during the coming months. 
 
A Longer-Lasting HVAC System 
 
Your HVAC system is an expensive investment with a limited lifetime. Depending on use, with professional maintenance you can expect your furnace and air conditioner to last between 8-18 years before you will need to replace the old one. However, poor maintenance is one of the top reasons for early replacement HVAC systems before end of average life expectancy. 

If you’re wondering how much a furnace tune up costs, you can breathe a healthy sigh of relief knowing it’s not going to break the bank. Sometimes we have special offers in your local area that you can run wild with. 
 
It’s better to take action now and be prepared than to regret it during the coldsnap of the century when your furnace isn’t working. If you would like to learn more about what a furnace tune-up includes, or how it benefits you—give our experts a call at 780-800-9047 or schedule an appointment online.