Maybe you recognize the importance of keeping your furnace maintained, but you think you can do the most important steps yourself, such as changing the air filter and adjusting the pilot light. While may be true, a heating system tune up involves many more important steps.
Heating System Tune up Checklist
Check the thermostat – The thermostat’s location and quality of its wiring should be inspected. The technician will check if you’re using setbacks properly if you have a programmable thermostat.
Lubricate moving parts – Without lubrication, moving parts cause friction that can damage the equipment and reduce efficiency, making it important for technicians to add oil anywhere it’s needed.
Inspect the burners and the heat exchanger – Dirty burners can affect heating system’s operation, while a crack in the heat exchanger can be harmful to your health. A technician giving these areas a look over puts your mind at ease, knowing these critical furnace components are working correctly.
Inspect the venting system – Furnace flues should be the right size and not be blocked by any obstructions, which a technician verifies during the tune up.
Tighten connections – Loose or faulty connections can be dangerous and reduce the lifespan of major system components. That’s why a technician tightens all electrical connections and checks the motor voltage and current during a heating system tune up.
Check for cracked, loose, or frayed belts – Replacing or tightening belts before they break is important for reliable furnace operation.
Check the manifold gas pressure – Proper pressure is necessary during a heating system tune up so the system can run as efficiently as possible.
Perform combustion efficiency tests – This is usually done once before the heating system tune up and again after maintenance is performed. This way, the technician can verify that the work has in fact improved system efficiency.
Check system controls – Before the technician completes the tune up, he makes sure all controls are functioning as they should for top efficiency and safety.
Benefits of a Tune Up
- Save energy with a smoothly operating heating system.
- Lower your carbon footprint by heating your home with less energy.
- Increase safety by ensuring ventilation, electrical connections and other system components are working properly.
- Promote system longevity by taking good care of your heating system.
- Prevent inconvenient breakdowns by catching problems early.
- Protect your warranty with maintenance performed by a licensed technician.
- Enjoy peace of mind that you’re doing everything possible to keep your furnace or other heating system in good condition.
When I Should I Schedule My Maintenance?
The fall is the best time to schedule a tune up for your home’s heating system. This is right before you start relying on it regularly, so you can utilize any repairs or replaced parts immediately.
Schedule a Heating System Tune Up Today!
Need a heating system tune up and live in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or a surrounding northeastern Pennsylvania town? Contact T.E. Spall & Son today!
