Safety & Efficiency: Why Regular Heating Tune-Ups Are Critical

HVAC experts, including our friends at Guaranteed Service, recommend tuning up your heating system once a year.

A tune-up typically includes testing to ensure various elements are functioning properly, lubricating all moving parts, and checking for gas leaks. The better maintained your furnace is, the less likely it is to break down at an inopportune time and the more efficiently it will run, which could lead to lower energy bills.

A broken part in your heating system can overwork the entire system and cause other components to fail. In very cold or hard-to-reach places, a malfunctioning heater could be extremely dangerous.

On a simpler level, tune-ups clear dust and other potential allergens from your furnace, which could improve air quality throughout your home.

But Why Do You Need a Tune-Up Every Year?

Guaranteed Service recommends having a heating tune-up every year for the best possible results. Just like your car, your heating system needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

Can a Heating/ Furnace Tune Up Help Me Maintain My Warranty?

Yes. In fact, many manufacturers require regular tune-ups to maintain your warranty; check your warranty to make sure you comply with its specific requirements.

Could I, as the Homeowner, Do My Own Furnace Tune-Up?

Yes, you could technically do your own furnace tune-up. However, Guaranteed Service highly recommends that you leave it to the professionals. Furnace tune-ups are complex and require specialized knowledge and tools. If done by someone who’s not licensed and trained, you run the risk of doing more harm than good for your unit. Plus, a professional heating technician will be able to spot any potential problems with your system to flag for you.

What Do Heating Tune-Ups Involve?

Guaranteed Service's heating tune-ups are comprehensive:

1. Use an infrared camera to inspect your furnace and heat exchanger
2. Check the blower wheel for cleanliness and balance
3. Test the ignition system for safe and proper venting
4. Test the safety and control circuits for proper operation
5. Test the exhaust system for proper venting
6. Inspect the blower motor bearings for wear
7. Measure the temperature differences between the supply and return
8. Test the blower capacitor
9. Brush, clean, and vacuum the burners
10. Brush, clean, and vacuum the heat exchanger
11. Test the furnace flame for proper burn
12. Clean the existing filters as needed
13. Measure and adjust the gas pressure for peak efficiency
14. Lubricate all the moving parts, per manufacturer
15. Measure the amperage and voltage of the blower motor
16. Tighten and inspect all the electrical wiring
17. Check for proper combustion air
18. Test for gas leaks
19. Inspect the inducer assembly for operation and leaks

So if it's been a year or more since the last heating tune-up, call (609) 451-2270 or visit guaranteedservice.com today! They'll make sure your whole system is safe and efficient!