Furnace Tune-Up in Tucson, Arizona
Regular furnace tuning is just as critical as a car’s oil changes. If no regular services are taking place, everything can get affected. Things can get dirtier, wear and tear can take place, and even horrible breakdowns may happen. It doesn’t matter if your furnace seems to be running normally or if it is making odd noises, a tune up is your best way of keeping your family warm and safe all season long.
What does a furnace tune up cover?
A furnace breaking down in days of winter can be a real pain whether a family uses it to beat the chill in freezing cold winter or seek relief from moderately cold winter. During a tune-up, a technician will be able to inspect the various components of your system and repair any damages to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. The prevention of unexpected breakdowns, recurring issues and frequent replacements, are the benefits of regular inspections. They can also help the furnace run in cost effective manner which saves you money on your heating bills throughout the season.
During a tune-up, a professional will:
- pilot system and/or electrical components
- recalibrate the thermostat
- clean the major components of the furnace
- lubricate the mechanical parts
- check for system leaks and tears or gaps in the ductwork
- test the heating elements
- test the safety and limit switches
Why is a tune-up necessary?
When the furnace is cleaned inside this is done not just for it look nice. Cleaner furnaces have better efficiency as compared to dirty ones. Replacement of the air flow filter and cleaning the coils can affect the efficiency of the system significantly enough to notice a lowering of your energy bill from month to month.
When it comes to a furnace tune-up, it’s important to test the pilot system. When the fuel is not burning off completely, it can result in dangerous carbon monoxide levels, which can have a detrimental effect to your health and well-being. A certified technician will let you know upon inspection if your furnace is at high risk of leaking such dangerous gas to your home.
Not only can tune-up save people money on the energy bills they can also save people money on costly repairs. Absence of upkeep can prompt successive fix needs. The furnace will work harder and thus wear out faster when it has dirty or ineffective parts. In the long run, a few sections might be too costly to even think about repairing and the entire unit may need to be replaced.
Though your furnace is “out of sight, out of mind”, not being warm during the colder months is difficult to ignore and should encourage you to take preventative maintenance steps before the cold weather comes in. You should get about 15 to 20 years of use out of a well maintained furnace. There are even some furnaces that last between 30 and 40 years because they are regularly maintained and not heavily used.
Having regular tune-ups will help you save money by avoiding expensive repairs, as well as lower your energy costs. Many manufacturers will only repair or replace a furnace that’s under warranty if the homeowner can show that all scheduled maintenance has been performed. When the parts are dirty, they become ineffective, which means your furnace must work harder.
How should homeowners maintain their furnaces between tune-ups?
Furnaces rarely require maintenance by the homeowner between tune-ups. However, there are some things you can do to help your furnace last as long as it possibly can and work efficiently until the time for your next tune up.
One of the ways you can maintain an efficient furnace is to change the air filter on a regular basis. Air flow is slowed down by a dirty filter, which makes the furnace work harder to produce the same amount of heat. Experts recommend swapping out air filters at least every three months, especially if you’re a pet owner. A filter will improve the functioning of your furnace and will also filter out toxins, particles, and allergens, allowing your family to breathe clean air through the year.
Some people close off certain air vents to try to control the airflow in their home, but that can put too much strain on your furnace, resulting in mechanical damage. When vents are closed this can cause mold to start growing in the ducts. You’re not going to save money by closing vents if you end up having to replace your furnace sooner.
Finally, if your furnace vents are on the outside of your home, you’ll want to make sure that nothing is blocking or restricting air flow such as critters or other debris. When the season changes, it is the very best time of the year to see what is going on. You should examine everything and try to prevent any problems. In case of furnace problems, homeowners can swiftly double-check their exterior furnace vents before contacting an expert.