Furnace Tune Up: What to Expect

Brrrr, temperatures are dropping! How confident are you that your furnace will keep you and your family warm this winter? Here is what you need to know about getting that furnace in perfect running condition.

When we talk home improvement, there is a lot of chatter about fun stuff like the design – open floor plans, tile floors, countertops and much more. What no one likes to think about is your infrastructure but your mechanical systems are what makes your house a home. Your heating and cooling system (HVAC) is vital in keeping your family warm during the winter and making sure it’s running right is important.

HVAC’s have a pretty long life of typically 15-20 years but there are clear signs of when your furnace is about to go out and we are here to help you before you are left out in the cold!

What’s Wrong With My Furnace?

Let’s begin by stating the obvious. If you are experiencing the following issues with your furnace, then it’s time to take action:

• There is no heat
• It’s starting to smell funny
• The carbon monoxide detector keeps going off
• Your furnace keeps turning on and shutting off frequently

Get A Furnace Tune Up

So, it seems that your furnace is on the fritz, what should your next steps be? It’s good to know right off the bat, that no matter the age of your HVAC unit, maintenance is necessary. Your HVAC unit contains filters, humidifiers, thermostats and other moving parts that need to be checked once every 6 months, depending on which model and type of furnace you have.

The best time to get a furnace tune up is shortly before the cooler months arrive. According to energystar.gov, the checklist for a furnace tune up should include:

• Check Thermostat setting
• Tighten all electrical connections
• Lubricate all moving parts
• Inspect the condensate drain
• Check system controls
• Examine all gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger

A furnace tune up will also provide an opportunity for the tech to start up the unit, clean the interior and pilot assembly, clean and adjust the burners and check the wiring. An experienced HVAC installer will also address any potential issues and estimate the remaining life of your HVAC system.

At a cost of less than $300 per year, you can make sure you and your family are comfortable all year and significantly extend the life of your HVAC. Think of it like an oil change for your car – spending $30 on the oil change can save you thousands on engine repair – the same principle applies to regular maintenance of your HVAC.

Now that your heating and cooling system is in good working order and learned of any potential issues, you can sit back and relax in your warm and cozy home all winter long.

Contractor Spotlight

Our spotlight is on our contractor partner, Running Right Heating Cooling and More, who uses RUUD brand products. RUUD is a division of Rheem, a company that has been around for almost a hundred years. And a fun fact, their founder invented the modern water heater! How cool is that?!  In the last 10-15 years, technology advances mean that HVAC systems are more efficient than ever. For a company like Running Right, who installs hundreds of units per year, the choice of manufacturers became about customer service. Their RUUD dealer prioritizes their relationship so that they can serve Running Right customers faster. This translates into happy homeowners. Both RUUD and Running Right are extremely proud of their work and bust it to make sure that every service call is performed at the highest standards.That’s why they are an awesome addition to the Hire it Done program!