Furnace Tune-Up Services in Stillwater, Oklahoma
Regular tuning of a furnace is just as critical as oil changes of a vehicle. If you don’t have your furnace serviced regularly, the parts experience more wear, get dirty, become less efficient, and leave you at risk of an untimely and aggravating 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?
Whatever purpose your family is using your furnace, it can be inconvenient when it suddenly breaks down on you. During a tune-up, a technician will be able to inspect the various components of your system and repair any damages to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. By regularly having your unit inspected, you can keep it from breaking down, experiencing problems, or needing to be replaced. Also, they will be able to ensure your unit runs more efficiently and will save you money during the cold winter months.
During a tune-up, a professional will:
- test the safety and limit switches
- pilot system and/or electrical components
- 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
Why is a tune-up necessary?
Cleaning the inside of a furnace is more than just making it aesthetically pleasing. A clean furnace runs far more efficiently than one that is dirty. You can even see a reduction in your energy bills if the airflow filter is replaced and the coils are cleaned regularly.
One critical step in a furnace tune-up is having the pilot system tested. When there is incomplete burning of the fuel can lead to a carbon monoxide level that is dangerous. A certified professional can allow you to know if there is a risk of your furnace for leaking such dangerous gas.
Not only do check-ups set aside your cash on your utility bills, but also they can set aside your cash over the long haul by dodging expensive fixes over the life of your unit. Avoiding annual inspections will likely lead to a more frequent need for repair. Parts that are dirty or ineffective can make the furnace double its efforts and thus wear it out faster. With some parts in the furnace being too expensive to repair, the replacement of the whole unit may become necessary.
Don’t wait until winter sets in to call in a professional to inspect and service your furnace. Doing proper maintenance on it can make you use it for 15 to 20 years. Your furnace could even last as long as 30 to 40 years, depending on how frequently you use it and the climate you live in.
Some furnace warranties may become invalid if the homeowner fails to comply with the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule. Many manufacturers will only repair or replace a furnace that’s under warranty if the homeowner can show that all scheduled maintenance has been performed. When the parts are dirty, they become ineffective, which means your furnace must work harder.
How should homeowners maintain their furnaces between tune-ups?
Furnaces rarely require maintenance by the homeowner between tune-ups. Of course, there are some things you can do to keep your furnace working as long as possible and continue working between tune-ups.
A regular air filter change is one way for the furnace to be maintained efficiently. This is because dirty filters in a furnace can slow the flow of air in it. An air filter should be changed every three months especially if pets are in the home. A filter will improve the functioning of your furnace and will also filter out toxins, particles, and allergens, allowing your family to breathe clean air throughout the year.
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. Closed vents also provide an atmosphere that can promote the growth of mold in a home’s ductwork. You won’t save any money by closing vents, and you could end up with a big expense if your furnace wears out prematurely from the additional strain.
If your furnace happens to have vents that flow outside the home then you need to make sure that no blockages or debris may block the passage of the air there. The best time to check for these problems is when the season changes. This check can also be done before calling a technician for repair if these problems occur while the furnace is running.
