As autumn’s cool breeze gives way to winter’s chill, homeowners begin thinking about their heating systems. A crucial but often overlooked component of this preparation is the furnace tune-up. Much like a car requiring regular maintenance to run efficiently and safely, your furnace benefits from periodic check-ups to ensure optimal performance. Our team at Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to ensure your home’s furnace is ready to keep you warm all winter long.
What Does a Furnace Tune-Up Involve?
The process of tuning up a furnace begins with thoroughly inspecting the system. This includes checking the vent system for blockages or leaks, examining the heat exchanger for any signs of damage or corrosion, and ensuring the blower access door has a tight seal.
Over time, various components of the furnace gather dust and debris. Our technician will clean the blower components to ensure smooth operation. If left unchecked, dirt and dust can hamper the system’s efficiency, causing it to overwork and reduce lifespan. This also reduces the heat that’s pushed through the home.
Moving parts in the furnace can wear out due to friction, especially if they’re improperly aligned or rubbing against each other in an unusual manner. Lubricating these parts reduces wear and tear, ensuring the system runs smoothly. Our technicians ensure every moving component is in good shape and ready for the demands that come with Bellevue winters.
It’s vital to ensure that a gas furnace’s pilot and gas pressure are optimal. Our technicians will check and adjust them as necessary to ensure efficient operation. This isn’t an issue for electric furnaces, so our team will look at the starter to determine if it’s functioning properly. Replacing components before you fire up the system for the first time this season increases the chance that you’ll have heat all winter.
One of the most straightforward yet critical aspects of maintenance is replacing or cleaning the furnace filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to overwork and reduce efficiency. Remember to change your filter every three months, depending on your unit. If you have a pet in your household, you may need to change your filter more often. Our technicians can change your filter during the tune-up process, too.
We will also verify that the thermostat works correctly and calibrate it if necessary. An accurate thermostat reading ensures the furnace maintains the desired temperature. Replacing a worn thermostat can help provide comfortable temperatures all year long.
Because safety is paramount, we will inspect the furnace’s safety controls and startup cycle to ensure everything operates safely. This includes checking for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be hazardous.
Loose electrical connections can reduce the lifespan of your furnace and even become a fire hazard. Our technicians will inspect and draw these connections and measure the voltage and current on the furnace’s motors. Worn connections and wires are replaced to enhance the safety of the system.
Why Is a Furnace Tune-Up Essential?
A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and, consequently, your energy bills. Regular tune-ups also ensure that all safety mechanisms function correctly, minimizing risks like gas and carbon monoxide leaks. Since electrical components are also inspected, there’s also a reduced chance of a fire starting within the unit.
Periodic maintenance can significantly extend the life of your furnace. By addressing minor issues early on, you prevent them from escalating into costly repairs or replacements. A tuned-up furnace provides consistent temperatures throughout your home, ensuring a comfortable living environment.
Some manufacturers require regular maintenance as a term of the furnace’s warranty. Neglecting this can void your warranty, leading to potential out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements. Our technicians will ensure that all required warranty inspections and tune-ups are performed and documented so you can use the warranty on the unit if necessary.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up Today
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook furnace maintenance. However, a regular furnace tune-up is an investment in comfort, safety, and peace of mind. By understanding what’s involved in a tune-up and ensuring it’s part of your home maintenance routine, you’re taking a proactive step towards a cozy, warm, and worry-free winter.
Talk to our professional HVAC technicians in Bellevue, NE so they can perform a tune-up on your furnace. Schedule an appointment with Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning today.
