White Plains, NY Professional Furnace Tune-Up Services
Regular check-ups are as important for a furnace as changing oil for a car. If it’s not regularly serviced, a furnace’s parts will wear out faster, get dirtier, and lose its efficiency even causing a breakdown. 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?
Breakdowns are inconvenient and uncomfortable, whether the furnace is used mainly for comfort, or to keep temperatures above freezing. It is a good idea to have a professional furnace technician look at the numerous amount of components of the heating unit and remediate any damage to ensure longevity. By regularly having your unit inspected, you can keep it from breaking down, experiencing problems, or needing to be replaced. A bonus is higher energy efficiency and the resulting money savings during the cold winter months.
During a tune-up, a professional will:
- recalibrate the thermostat
- check for system leaks and tears or gaps in the ductwork
- lubricate the mechanical parts
- clean the major components of the furnace
- test the heating elements
- pilot system and/or electrical components
- test the safety and limit switches
Why is a tune-up necessary?
When you have the interiors of a furnace cleaned this is not only for aesthetic purposes. Furnaces that have been cleaned well will have higher efficiency compared to the dirty ones. When the coils are cleaned and the airflow filter is replaced then this can increase the efficiency of the unit.
Another step in the tuning up of a furnace is testing out the pilot system. The fuel that’s not burning completely results in a yellow flame instead of blue, which can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels inside of the home, putting families in danger. A certified professional can help you in determining if there is a risk that your unit is leaking this dangerous gas.
Tune-ups don’t only save you money on energy bills but also in costly repairs that they may prevent from occurring. After all, if you don’t take care of it, you’ll have to have it repaired more. Your furnace will have to work much harder if the parts are dirty or ineffective. Some parts may eventually be too expensive to repair, and it may be necessary to replace the entire unit.
While you may not give a thought to your furnace during the months that it is not in use you need to provide it with some attention to prevent emergencies during winter. A furnace can last you an average of 15 to 20 years, as long as it’s properly maintained. Many furnaces can last between 30 and 40 years with periodic tune-ups, depending on the rate of use and other environmental factors.
Having regular tune-ups will help you save money by avoiding expensive repairs, as well as lower your energy costs. Often manufacturers will only cover the cost of repair or replacement if there is proof of regular servicing. Even a furnace that seems to be operating properly can benefit from a tuneup that could end up saving the homeowner the expense of a major repair at some point.
How should homeowners maintain their furnaces between tune-ups?
Furnaces usually require minimal maintenance between checkups, unless something breaks. But there are ways you can help your furnace last longer and work more efficiently before your next tune-up.
When you have the air filter regularly changed, you maintain the efficiency of your furnace. This is because dirty filters in a furnace can slow the flow of air in it. It’s recommended that you change your air filter at least once every three months, especially if you have pets. 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.
You’re mistaken if you think that it makes sense to try to control airflow and temperatures by closing certain air vents because doing that can force your furnace to work harder, which can result in damage to your furnace. In addition to that when vents are closed this can be the cause of mold growth in the ductwork. In the long run, closing vents usually give no real cost savings for the homeowner, because it may shorten the life of the furnace.
Make sure that the area where your furnace vents to the outside of your home are not obstructed by debris, such as animal nests, that can restrict airflow. The best time to inspect for obstructions that can limit airflow from your furnace is before the heating season begins. If your furnace is turned on and it seems that it has problems, you can check for this before giving a call to an expert.