What Is A Furnace Tune-Up And Why Have One?

When the weather turns cold outside, you depend on your furnace to keep your home comfortable. But it’s not just a one-way street — your HVAC system depends on you to help it stay in good working condition.

Without regular attention as recommended by the manufacturer, your systems can become dirty and worn-out. Its performance will suffer, and you may wake up one day to find out it’s stopped working altogether. It’s for these reasons that you’ll want to give it a tune-up on an annual basis. But what is a furnace tune-up, and what happens during one? Read on for more information.

What Does a Furnace Tune-Up Consist Of?

Scheduling a tune-up through a professional HVAC company is the right call, but what does a furnace tune-up include? In general, it consists of a few basic elements:

• Inspection: A technician will take a close look at your system’s various elements and components to make sure they’re all working as they should. This includes checking the heat exchanger, looking at the coils for signs of dust buildup and performing a combustion analysis to ensure there are no hairline cracks that could lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
• Cleaning: Coils, burners and other components need to be cleaned of dust and dirt to ensure they function properly. For instance, flame sensors can become covered in soot over time, which means they won’t work as well and lead to your system shutting itself off unexpectedly. Certain elements of your equipment also require fresh lubricant every so often to prevent wear and tear from causing them to fail.
• Replacements: In addition to a new air filter, there may be other components within your furnace that might require replacement. The technician who services your furnace should check to make sure all the belts are tight and in the correct alignment, for example. Electrical elements such as wiring need to be replaced if they appear to be frayed or otherwise in less-than-optimal condition.
• Adjustments: With continuous usage, there are some aspects of your furnace’s operation that will need to be recalibrated. For example, the ratio of air to fuel may need to be adjusted to keep your system running as efficiently and safely as possible.

Let Gene May Heating & Cooling Handle Your Tune-Up

As the leader in HVAC service for Joliet since 2007, Gene May Heating & Cooling is the best place to turn for expert furnace tune-ups. We’re also your complete source for everything related to indoor air quality and other aspects of your home’s comfort. To learn more or schedule your first appointment, get in touch with us today.