It’s that time of year again, time to schedule a fall furnace tune-up. But are annual HVAC inspections really necessary? What does a tune-up involve, anyway? Are the tasks simple enough that a homeowner could do them himself? Here are the answers to these important questions.
Is a Fall Furnace Tune-up Necessary?
Scheduling preventative maintenance in the fall sets up the system for success. A tune-up greatly decreases the chance of a breakdown mid-season when you need your furnace most. It may not be utterly necessary, but just like going to the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning, a fall furnace tune-up is definitely recommended.
What Does a Fall Furnace Tune-up Entail?
It depends on the contractor and what your system requires. Sometimes the tune-up is minimal while other times it’s more comprehensive. A thorough tune-up is best.
The fall furnace tune-up basics you can expect your technician to perform include:
- Check the vent system for leakage and blockage
- Analyze combustion gases and ensure they closely match the unit’s specifications
- Check the fresh air intake louvers and grills for blockage
- Check burners for proper burner flame height, flame sense and ignition
- Inspect the heat exchanger for corrosion and rust
- Test the drainage system for leakage and blockage
- Clean the blower wheel
- Conduct an amp-draw test on the blower motor
- Check the blower access door for a tight fit
- Check wiring for corrosion or damage
- Inspect the thermocouple
- Clean and adjust the pilot light, if applicable
- Check and change the filter
- Tighten electrical connections
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Check the thermostat setting
- Check belts for wear and tightness
- Conduct a carbon monoxide test
Can a Homeowner Do a Fall Furnace Tune-up Himself?
If all you want to do is vacuum out the furnace, then sure, you can probably do the tune-up yourself. But if the contractor you hire does even half of the items on the list above, it’s worth it to have a professional do the work.
To schedule a fall furnace tune-up from a qualified contractor, please contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We serve homeowners in the Greater Indianapolis area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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