An annual furnace tune-up isn’t something you think about until your heating system’s no longer working. But you can prevent costly repair bills by regularly having your furnace tuned up by a professional.
The good news is furnace maintenance doesn’t just improve the efficiency of your system and prevent breakdowns. It can save money by keeping your HVAC system in top condition and lowering energy bills.
How often should I book a furnace tune-up?
For many people, a furnace is an integral part of their home. It’s one of those appliances we take for granted until something goes wrong — like your furnace stops working. That’s when you realize how important it is to keep your furnace in good working order.
But how often do you need to book a tune-up? Truth is, having a proper tune-up once a year can help ensure that your furnace continues to operate at peak efficiency. Even better, tune-ups will help you save money on your energy bills.
Why is an Annual Furnace Tune-Up Important?
An annual furnace tune-up is more than just a routine service. A qualified technician will inspect all of your HVAC system’s components to ensure that they’re in good working order, so you can enjoy optimal heating and cooling throughout the year.
- Your system will run more efficiently, which saves you money on your energy bills.
- The life of your furnace is extended, saving you money on replacement costs.
- You’ll feel more comfortable in your home because it’ll be warmer or cooler as needed.
- Your system will run more quietly, reducing noise pollution for the whole family.
- A safer home. A faulty furnace puts your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up
Not sure if it’s time to book some furnace maintenance? If your furnace displays any of these signs, contact a professional.
Your Energy Bills Have Gone Up
If your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be due to your furnace not running efficiently. Over time, dust can build up inside your furnace, blocking airflow and causing heat to escape through cracks. This means you’re wasting money on heating costs.
A Funky Smell
A strange smell can be a sign that your furnace needs a tune-up. The odor could be caused by dust, pet hair, or lint that has built up over time and needs to be cleaned out of the ducts.
If you notice the smell coming from your home’s HVAC system, it’s best to have it inspected by a professional technician immediately. They can determine the source of the odor and recommend the best way to clean it out, so you don’t have any harmful gases escaping into your home.
Heat is Patchy (Or There’s no Heat at All)
A furnace that isn’t working correctly can mean that some rooms are warmer than others. It could be a sign of trouble if you notice patches of unheated rooms or hallways. You may also notice that no heat is coming out of the vents, even though the thermostat is set at its normal temperature.
Fiddling with the Thermostat Doesn’t Change Anything
If you have an older thermostat, it could be that the batteries need replacing or that the thermostat itself is broken. This can cause problems with your furnace because it won’t know how hot or cold you want the house to be. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, try replacing the batteries or calling an HVAC technician for help.
The Pilot Light is Yellow or Orange
The color of the flame indicates how much oxygen is being supplied to your furnace. For example, a blue flame means the gas is burning correctly. On the other hand, a red or orange flame indicates that there isn’t enough oxygen in the air. An orangey flame may mean your blower may not be running.
Furnace is old
As your furnace ages, its efficiency will decrease, leading to higher energy bills. A professional inspection by a trained heating and cooling expert is the best way to determine if your equipment needs repair or replacement.
If you’ve been using your heating system for more than 8-10 years, it could be time to consider replacing it with a newer model. Unfortunately, an older furnace doesn’t have the same energy efficiency as newer models. Ask your technician for their advice.
There’s a Screeching or Buzzing Sound
Puzzled by strange sounds coming from your furnace? A screech typically means there’s something wrong with the blower wheel. This part helps pull air through the system, so if it’s damaged or worn down, it could lead to problems with airflow and efficiency.
Keep your furnace in excellent working condition this winter by booking a furnace tune-up with the experts at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air
Business Hours
Quicklinks
