By: Brian Schutt
Read on for some great tips for doing a furnace tune-up this fall!
The calendar has struck September 21st, the leaves are starting to turn, Starbucks is selling Pumpkin Spice Latte… that’s right Homesense Heating & Cooling fans, it’s fall. The season of sweater-hoodies, massive chili consumption, and Notre Dame fans making excuses about why their top-ranking recruiting class is under .500 again. (For my friend, @keyholemarketing).
You may be saying, hey Brian, we just shut off our air conditioner, give us a break with all this heating & cooling talk for a bit. To that, I say, nonsense. We live in Indiana; you’re going to have your furnace on in days (minutes if you’re married).
With a long winter, and even longer heating season fast approaching, take the time now to get your furnace maintained. Why? You ask. As a mechanical system, the life cycle of your furnace is constantly diminishing. However, it’s estimated that with proper upkeep, you can improve the life span of your system by up to 50%. If you’re planning to be in your home for a while, you have a lot more to lost by not having the annual tune-up performed. (And, If you’re a follower on twitter, you can find out about our special savings.)
As a service to you, we want you to know what to expect from a proper furnace tune up, so we’ve broken it down below:
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Check, adjust and clean blower components
- Removing excess dirt buildup will insure proper airflow and system balance. This increases capacity and unit reliability.
- This assures the fan comes on and off at the predetermined temperature, making heating a room more accurate and efficient.
- A clogged filter can reduce airflow and even cause a system to cease operation. This also prevents dirt and other residue in the filter from cycling back into your home. Note: Filter provided by Homeowner
- An improperly calibrated thermostat will cause your furnace to over or under heat your home.
- Calibration saves you money and increases your comfort.
- Poor lubrication causes motor and shaft drag, requiring more electricity to overcome resistance. This can also help extend motor life.
- Chemical inspection of the heat exchanger locates cracks and separations that are impossible to locate otherwise. These cracks and separations can result in dangerous carbon monoxide leakage, putting your family in danger.
- This is the principal control in the furnace to prevent overheating and possible damage to the unit and the structure it is located in. Checking these controls can prevent fires and extend your furnace’s life.
- This insures proper exhaust of toxic furnace fumes, ensuring your family’s safety.
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Tighten all electrical connections
- This is necessary to prevent wire overheating that may cause fire or part failure.
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Check belts for cracks and wear
- Belts must be checked periodically to insure reliable operation.
- Proper pressure is required to control fuel input to the furnace burners.
- This controls fuel consumption and stops delayed ignition.
- Proper burner operation is essential for an efficient furnace.
- This is necessary for proper ignition of burners, and prevents possible explosion upon burner startup.
- Adjustment insures smooth ignition, and burners are observed for proper firing.
- This saves fuel and insures proper ignition.
- This insures that potentially poisonous gases are exhausted properly and do not leak into your home.
Check and adjust air flow and fan control for accurate temperature rise
Check and replace standard air filters
Check thermostat calibration
Lubricate moving parts (when necessary)
Check heat exchanger
Check high limit and other safety controls
Check for flue obstructions
Check manifold gas pressure and combustion air openings (if necessary)
Check burner operation, clean if necessary
Check thermocouple, replace if necessary
Clean and adjust pilot, as necessary
Check gas line for leaks from furnace shut off valves to the burners
Need more furnace tune up help? Be sure to contact us today!
