Furnace Tune Up Service in Boise, Idaho
Routine check ups are as essential to a furnace as oil changes are for a vehicle. Without regular maintenance, your furnace will lose efficiency and could break down unexpectedly. Even with no indications of a current or potential problem, it’s important to your family’s health and safety to have your furnace serviced regularly.
What does a furnace tune up cover?
Whether you are using the furnace to keep the temperature stable or you’re relying on the heat during freezing temperatures, sudden breakdowns are painful. In the tune up of a furnace, a professional technician will conduct an inspection of its parts and repair damaged areas to help the furnace last for a longer period of time. Regular inspections are essential to keeping your furnace in the best possible operating condition and avoiding the need for replacement. In addition, they will be able to ensure your unit runs more efficiently and will save you money during the cold winter months.
During a tune-up, a professional will:
- pilot system and/or electrical components
- test the heating elements
- recalibrate the thermostat
- lubricate the mechanical parts
- clean the major components of the furnace
- check for system leaks and tears or gaps in the ductwork
- test the safety and limit switches
Why is a tune-up necessary?
There are far more compelling reasons to have your furnace cleaned regularly than simply keeping it looking nice. You’ll get greater operating efficiency out of your furnace when it is cleaned periodically. When you clean the coils and replace the air flow filter this can lead to a lower energy bill.
Another step that is important in tuning up a furnace is to have the pilot system tested. If the fuel is not burning properly, it can cause carbon monoxide build-up which can have a detrimental effect on your family’s health and well-being. You can find out if your furnace is likely to emit this dangerous gas by contacting a certified professional.
Regular furnace tune-ups will not only help conserve energy and keep your utility bill in check, but they will also save you money longer term because you won’t have as many repairs to pay for. When maintenance is not done to the unit this can lead to more repair needs. When parts are dirty or ineffective, it can result in the furnace working harder and therefore wearing out faster. At some point, you’ll learn that some parts are more expensive to repair and you’d be better off replacing it instead.
You probably give your furnace little thought until it breaks down on a frigid day, but it’s wise to schedule a service call before the temperature begins to drop in the fall. You should get about 15 to 20 years of use out of a well maintained furnace. Your furnace could even last as long as 30 to 40 years, depending on how frequently you use it and the climate you live in.
If your furnace installation is still covered by warranty, get regular tune-ups to keep the warranty valid. After all, when you take care of something, it lasts much longer. Having your furnace tuned up can result in the detection of a problem that if ignored could require costly repairs, so look up “furnace tune up near me” today.
How should homeowners maintain their furnaces between tune-ups?
Typically, a furnace doesn’t really need much maintenance between tune-ups unless something ends up breaking or needs to be repaired. Of course, there are some things you can do to ensure that your furnace lasts for some time and works efficiently between tune-ups.
The efficiency of a furnace improves when the air filter is replaced regularly. If the filters of the furnace become dirty, the air flow may get reduced, thus forcing the furnace to work harder to produce the same levels of output. Experts recommend swapping out air filters at least every three months, especially if you’re a pet owner. Air filters not only will improve your furnace’s operating efficiency but also remove allergens, toxins, and particulate matter from the air your family breathes.
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. Mold can grow inside the ducts because of closed air vents. Closing vents, contrary to what some homeowners think, won’t save any money in the long run because the furnace may need to be replaced sooner.
Finally, if your furnace vents are outside of your home, you must take the time to make sure they’re not being blocked by critters, debris, or other things. The best time to inspect for obstructions that can limit air flow from your furnace is before the heating season begins. If there seem to be issues with your furnace operations, you’ll want to check for these issues before calling in an expert.