What to Expect During a Professional Furnace Tune-up

As temperatures begin to drop, the last thing you want is to turn up your thermostat and nothing happens. To help prevent unexpected breakdowns in your heating system, we recommend scheduling a professional furnace tune-up annually, especially if you have an older furnace. But what exactly does a tune-up include, and why is it an essential step in heating maintenance? This guide explains what to expect during a professional tune-up of your HVAC system.

Why is it essential to have a professional furnace tune-up?

Investing in furnace maintenance will ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come. By having a professional inspect, clean, and test your heating system, you are keeping your home safe from issues like carbon monoxide and gas leaks, as well as fire risks. You can also detect issues early, before they develop into more serious, costly problems.

What happens during a furnace tune-up?

Generally, a tune-up can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of your home and the condition of your furnace. This step-by-step guide walks you through what you can expect from your technician and how each step helps your home stay efficient, safe, and warm through winter.

Step 1: Initial Inspection

First, your technician will conduct a visual inspection of your furnace to determine the services your heating system may require. They will start by checking the furnace cabinet, panels, and vents, then proceed to inspect the blower motor, burners, and heat exchanger. The technician will also inspect your system for any potential rust, cracks, or blockages. This initial inspection allows the technician to catch potential issues before they become serious problems for your heating system. 

Step 2: In-Depth Inspection and Light Cleaning

After the inspection, your technician will professionally clean your heating system, which will include work on:

Air filters

Filters will be checked and replaced if needed to ensure unrestricted airflow.

Air conditioner coils: If your heating system includes an air conditioner, have the coils cleaned when you have your furnace cleaned, since air flows through both systems to circulate warm or cool air.

Burners

Cleaning soot or rust buildup from the burners is important because it reduces the risk of fire and prevents high levels of carbon monoxide. It also helps your system run more efficiently.

Blower

Your technician will clean the blower, removing dust or debris that could be reducing airflow, and may lubricate the system's moving parts to reduce friction.

Heat Exchanger

They will also clean any soot buildup in the heat exchanger, improving the furnace’s performance and extending its lifespan.

Vents and Ducts

Depending on the dirt and grime, we may suggest a vent and duct cleaning service. These cleaning services will boost your systems efficiency, help lower your energy bills and provide some relief for those with allergies and respiratory conditions.

Step 3: Testing your system

After inspecting and cleaning your furnace, our team will test the ignition and fan operation to ensure your system is functioning smoothly. Testing can also include checking your thermostat responses and listening for any unusual noises from your system that could indicate a potential issue. Testing helps you feel confident that your furnace will operate smoothly throughout the colder months.

Step 4: Review and Recommendations

Your technician will review the work they have completed and flag any areas that require your attention regarding your furnace system. The review could include recommended repairs or upgrades, as well as practical tips for maintaining your system's optimal performance. This is also the perfect time to ask any questions you may have about your system.

Having your furnace professionally tuned up regularly will help your system run more efficiently, which in turn lowers your electricity bill. It will also improve your home's air quality and address potential issues before they become serious problems. Our team at Edmonton Furnace and Carpet Care is ready to help you take care of your home’s heating.