It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors and it seems like everyone has gone off on holiday. Don’t forget to take care your home heating/cooling needs with an annual tune up before they become a problem in chilly weather.
What is included in furnace maintenance?
A furnace maintenance appointment is like an annual checkup for your furnace. An HVAC technician comes to your home and ensures your heating equipment is working properly.
During the appointment, your technician tests the furnace’s components. They adjust, clean, and lubricate parts as needed. If the technician detects any potential issues, they’ll recommend repairs.
Furnace maintenance checklist
Typically, an HVAC technician includes the following in a furnace tune up checklist:
- Test the ignitor
- Inspect and adjust the flue
- Check and adjust the pilot and burners
- Check and adjust the gas pressure and the air mix
- Check and clean/replace the air filter
- Check the electrical components
- Check and adjust the blower speed
- Inspect and clean the AC coil
- Inspect the heat exchanger and ductwork
- Calibrate the thermostat
How to prepare for furnace maintenance
Book an appointment window that allows you to be home for up to 90 minutes. While most furnace tune-ups take less than an hour, you’ll want additional time in case repairs are needed.
Clear furniture and other clutter from around your furnace, thermostat, air register, and air vents. Your tech will need to access these spaces.
Secure pets, as your technician may be in and out of your home. Keep pets in their crate or in a closed room.
Ask about costs and payment methods when you schedule the appointment. Be prepared to pay at the conclusion of the appointment.
Ready to schedule your fall furnace tune-up? Click Here.
How often do I need to get furnace maintenance?
You should schedule furnace maintenance annually. It’s best to book it in the early fall before the weather cools down enough to turn your furnace on.
Getting your furnace checked before heating season will ensure its efficient and safe operation throughout the winter. It will help you proactively address any potential problems that may cause a breakdown during the coldest months.
While you’re using your furnace, there are some DIY maintenance tasks you can do every month or so to ensure it continues to run at its best.
DIY furnace maintenance tips
In between professional furnace tune-ups, there are a few DIY steps you should take to keep your system heating comfortably through the winter months.
| 💨 Change your furnace filter every 3 months. |
| 🍁 Clear your furnace flue of obstructions like leaves or snow regularly. |
| 🎄 Make sure flammable objects, like your Christmas tree, don’t block your vents. |
| 🔋 Check and replace your thermostat battery as needed. |
| 🧹 Clean your ductwork and vents as needed. |
| 🪟 Seal any air leaks, especially around windows and doors. |
What is the lifetime of a furnace?
Most furnaces last for 15-20 years. With proper maintenance and gentle usage, some furnaces may live for up to 40 years. However, they likely won’t function at their most efficient in the later years.
Why do I need furnace maintenance?
Furnace maintenance is important for a number of reasons:
| 🌲 It can extend your furnace’s useful life. |
| 🌎 It can improve energy efficiency. |
| ⚠️ It can postpone larger-scale repairs. |
| ❄️ It can mitigate breakdowns in the coldest parts of the year. |
| 🛟 It can keep your family safe by detecting and eliminating fire or carbon monoxide hazards. |
Keep your home safe and comfortable this winter by scheduling your furnace maintenance appointment this fall.
