It looks like Oklahoma is in for a brutal winter again this year.
The question is, “are you ready?” How confident are you that your heating will work when the temperature starts dropping?
It’s best to schedule a furnace tune-up this fall to ensure that your heating unit won’t let you down and you can stay warm all winter. Not only can you avoid the most common furnace problems, but you can also improve your system’s energy efficiency. The manufacturer may also require an annual furnace inspection to satisfy the warranty.
Okay, so now we’ve established the importance of scheduling furnace maintenance. But do you know what to expect when the technician comes knocking at your door?
Let’s take a deep dive into what happens during your scheduled furnace preventative maintenance.
The Furnace Tune-Up: What’s Involved
What can you expect during the technician’s visit? As a general rule, an experienced professional will do a thorough check-up of all essential components. Their evaluation will determine if there’s a need for repairs or replacement of parts.
Here are the crucial components that a professional HVAC technician will look at during the inspection:
Blower
The blower, composed of the blower fan and motor, is responsible for blowing hot air through the ducts to circulate into your home. It’s often necessary to remove the blower wheel first to access the blower. The technician will then inspect, clean, and lubricate your furnace’s blower component.
Heat Exchanger
The metal heat exchanger in oil and gas furnaces transfers the heat from combustion to the air that eventually goes into your home. They ensure that the combustion gases and the breathable air don’t mix.
The HVAC pro will examine the heat exchanger for cracks, holes, and signs of corrosion. If that barrier is compromised, deadly carbon monoxide may mix with the indoor air. Testing for carbon monoxide levels is also included in this step.
Furnace Vent System
The technician will check the vent system for any leaks or blockages, including the air intake grills. These issues can reduce the energy efficiency of your home and cause your utility bills to skyrocket.
Flue
The flue pipe vents the exhaust from your furnace to the outside of your home. Again, you don’t want the toxic fumes from combustion to contaminate your indoor air. The inspector will ensure that the flue isn’t blocked and restricting the escape of the exhaust.
Burner
The technician will test the ignition system and flame sensor and make sure that they are in order. They will also clean the gas valve ports and the pilot tube to improve the efficiency of combustion.
Air Filter
Cleaning or changing the filter is something that you can do yourself once a month. The HVAC professional will still assess the condition of the air filter and suggest a replacement if needed.
Electrical Wirings and Thermostat
It’s also the technician’s job to ensure that all electrical connections are tight, working, and free of corrosion. Included in this inspection are the testing and proper calibration of the thermostat.
Go “Above and Beyond” This Furnace Maintenance Checklist
As you can see, a furnace tune-up is only as good as the company that provides it. Here at Above and Beyond Service Company, we cover all the essential and less important components of your furnace. We’ll make sure that you have a warm and comfortable winter.
Don’t skip your yearly furnace check-up! Contact us today!