Taking care of your furnace might not be something you think about daily, but if you want it to keep your home cozy all winter, it needs regular attention. Your furnace is a big, hardworking piece of equipment that plays an important role in your home’s comfort. Just like your car needs routine oil changes to keep it running smoothly, your furnace also needs regular check-ups to perform at its best. So, you may be wondering: What does annual furnace maintenance include?
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what is included in a furnace tune-up and why it’s so important.
Why You Need Annual Furnace Maintenance
Annual furnace maintenance might sound like just another task on your long to-do list, but it brings numerous benefits to your system and your wallet. Skipping maintenance can lead to costly repairs, efficiency loss, and even safety concerns like gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure. Here are some reasons why regular furnace maintenance is so crucial:
- Boosts Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained furnace operates efficiently, helping you save on energy bills.
- Extends Lifespan: Regular maintenance keeps everything working properly, which helps your furnace last longer.
- Improves Indoor Air Quality: Cleaning the furnace and replacing the filter keeps dust, pet hair, and other particles out of the air you breathe.
- Prevents Major Problems: Minor issues can be caught before they become big, expensive problems.
- Keeps You Safe: Annual maintenance includes checks for gas leaks and carbon monoxide.
What Is Included in Annual Furnace Maintenance?
So, what does annual furnace maintenance include? An annual tune-up is a thorough inspection and service designed to keep your furnace running smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in an annual furnace maintenance appointment.
Inspecting the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a vital component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that flows into your home. A technician will inspect it for any cracks or damage, as this can lead to dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks. An inspection of the heat exchanger keeps your furnace safe and efficient.
Cleaning the Blower Motor and Blower Compartment
The blower motor pushes warm air through your home, and if it gets clogged with dirt and dust, it can strain the system. During maintenance, the blower compartment is cleaned, and the motor is inspected to confirm that it’s in good shape. Cleaning this component allows your furnace to operate efficiently, preventing unnecessary wear and tear.
Replacing or Cleaning the Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which can decrease heating efficiency and indoor air quality. Technicians either replace the furnace filter or clean it, depending on the type of filter your furnace uses. Regularly changing or cleaning your air filter is essential for a healthy, well-maintained furnace.
Examining the Gas Valve and Combustion Chamber
If you have a gas furnace, the gas valve and combustion chamber are critical for safe operation. The technician will inspect these components, clean them as needed, and check for gas leaks. This part of the maintenance helps make sure that the furnace burns fuel safely and reduces the risk of dangerous gas leaks.
Inspecting Electrical Connections and Wiring
Over time, electrical connections can become loose, which can lead to inefficiencies or even a malfunctioning system. During the tune-up, technicians check all electrical connections and wiring to keep your furnace safe and reduce the risk of electrical issues.
Checking the Burner and Flame Sensor
For natural gas furnaces, the burner and flame sensor play a major role in your furnace’s heating process. These components need to be clean to function properly. A technician will inspect, clean, and test them to verify that they’re in working order. Proper burner operation helps your system maintain peak efficiency.
Testing the Safety Controls
Safety is paramount when it comes to any gas-powered system. A furnace tune-up includes testing key safety controls, such as the limit switch and pressure switches, to make sure they’re operating properly. This step helps prevent overheating and other safety issues.
Inspecting the Flue Pipe and Carbon Monoxide Levels
The flue pipe is responsible for venting combustion gases out of your home. During an annual furnace tune-up, the technician inspects the flue pipe for damage or blockages. They may also measure carbon monoxide levels to confirm your furnace is safely venting gases outside.
Calibrating the Thermostat
A properly functioning thermostat is essential to heating your home efficiently. During maintenance, the technician will check the thermostat’s calibration to make sure it’s accurately reading your home’s temperature. This helps your furnace maintain a comfortable environment without unnecessary energy use.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Over time, the moving parts in your furnace can experience wear and tear, leading to squeaks, grinding noises, and added strain on the system. During an annual maintenance check, the technician will lubricate these parts, helping to prevent friction and extending the system’s lifespan.
Checking Airflow Through Return Air Ducts
Your furnace relies on proper airflow to function efficiently. A technician will check for any obstructions in the return air ducts, which can affect performance. Good airflow helps maintain a well-balanced heating system and guarantees that warm air is effectively distributed throughout your home.
DIY Maintenance vs. Professional Tune-Ups
Ultimately, understanding what is included in a furnace tune-up can show just how much care and attention your heating system needs. While there are a few things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape (like changing the air filter and dusting the area around the unit), most furnace maintenance is best left to a professional HVAC technician.
DIY maintenance can’t replace the thorough inspection, cleaning, and testing provided by an HVAC service. Professional tune-ups catch hidden issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye and include services like gas valve inspection, blower motor cleaning, and thermostat calibration, which are necessary for safety and efficiency. If it’s time for a tune-up, reach out to Go Green Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. We offer a wide range of heating services in Greensboro, NC.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance in Greensboro, NC, Today
So, what is included in a furnace tune-up? As you can see, this annual service entails much more than you might have expected. Furnace maintenance might seem like a small task, but it makes a big difference in the performance of your heating system.
When you’re ready to take the next step for your furnace’s longevity, comfort, and efficiency, turn to Go Green Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. Our expert technicians specialize in furnace services in Greensboro, NC, and the surrounding areas. We can help keep your HVAC system running smoothly all winter long.
Now that you know what is included in annual furnace maintenance, why wait to reach out to our team for assistance? Schedule your furnace maintenance now!
