Columbus winters can be downright brutal. When the temperature plummets, a reliable furnace is your home’s first line of defense against the cold. But how do you ensure your furnace is up to the challenge? The answer lies in regular maintenance.
Let’s dive into what you can expect during a furnace tune up and why it’s essential to make an appointment with Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning for Columbus furnace maintenance services each year.
Steps Involved in Furnace Maintenance
A furnace tune up truly is a comprehensive process, which provides your heating system with all the care it needs to function optimally going into winter. Here’s a look at what our HVAC technicians do when visiting your home to perform furnace maintenance:
Initial Heating System Inspection
The first step in any furnace maintenance service is a thorough inspection. A qualified technician from Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning will examine the entire system to look for any obvious signs of wear and tear or damage. This includes checking the furnace’s housing, internal components, and connections. The technician will also take note of any unusual sounds or smells that could indicate a problem or a malfunctioning furnace.
Furnace Cleaning
Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in your furnace over time, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. During maintenance, the technician will clean various parts of the furnace, including the blower, burners, and heat exchanger. A clean furnace operates more efficiently and is less likely to experience problems.
Replacing the Air Filter
One of the most critical parts of furnace maintenance is replacing the air filter. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and increasing the risk of a breakdown. Regularly replacing the air filter improves your furnace’s efficiency and helps maintain good indoor air quality by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. We do this during your furnace tune up, and you should also do it every 1-3 months throughout the year.
Inspecting the Thermostat
The thermostat is the brain of your heating system, controlling when and how long your furnace runs. The technician will check the thermostat to ensure it’s functioning correctly and calibrated to the right settings. If your thermostat is outdated or malfunctioning, the technician might recommend an upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat, which can help you save energy and improve your home’s comfort.
Lubricating Moving Parts
Furnaces have several moving parts, such as the blower motor, that require regular lubrication to reduce friction and wear. During a furnace tune up, the technician will lubricate these components to ensure they operate smoothly and quietly. This step helps prevent premature wear and extends the life of the parts.
Checking Electrical Connections
The technician will inspect all electrical connections and wiring within your furnace to ensure everything is secure and functioning correctly. Loose or corroded connections can lead to system failures or even pose a fire hazard, so this step is crucial for your safety.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Burners
If you have a gas furnace, the burners are responsible for igniting the fuel that heats your home. Over time, they can become dirty or misaligned, leading to inefficient combustion and increased energy consumption. The technician will inspect the burners, clean them if necessary, and ensure they are properly aligned for optimal performance.
Examining the Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a vital component of your gas furnace that transfers heat from the combustion process into the air that circulates through your home. A cracked heat exchanger can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. The technician will carefully inspect the heat exchanger for any signs of damage and ensure it’s functioning correctly.
Testing the HVAC System
After all inspections, cleanings, and adjustments are complete, the technician will test the furnace to ensure it’s operating correctly. This involves turning on the HVAC system, checking for proper ignition, monitoring the airflow, and ensuring the thermostat communicates effectively with the furnace. The technician will also listen for any unusual noises and ensure the system cycles on and off as it should.
Reviewing Findings and Recommendations
Once the furnace maintenance service is complete, the technician will review their findings with you. They’ll explain any issues they discovered, recommend any necessary furnace repairs to correct issues uncovered during the tune up, or discuss looking into furnace installation if necessary.
We also provide you with tips for maintaining your furnace between professional visits. This is your opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of your heating system.
Benefits You Gain Through Regular Furnace Maintenance
Regular furnace maintenance offers numerous benefits that go beyond just keeping your home warm. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
- Improved Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, consuming less fuel or electricity to heat your home. This translates to lower energy bills, especially during the coldest months of the year.
- Enhanced Safety: Maintenance helps ensure your furnace is operating safely, reducing the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide leaks or electrical issues that could lead to fires.
- Extended Equipment Lifespan: By addressing minor issues before they turn into major problems, regular maintenance can extend the life of your furnace, saving you money on installing a new furnace sooner than you’d like.
- Increased Comfort: A properly maintained furnace provides consistent and reliable heat, keeping your home comfortable even during the coldest days.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your furnace has been thoroughly inspected and maintained by a professional gives you peace of mind that it will perform well when you need it most, limiting the likelihood of needing furnace repair services during the winter season.
Make sure you don’t go without these important benefits— schedule furnace maintenance once per year (fall is a great time to take care of this!). Remember, cooling systems need maintenance, too! If you have an air conditioner, schedule an annual tune up in the spring.
If you have a heat pump, you’ll want to schedule a tune up twice per year, as heat pumps both heat and cool homes. Many Columbus homeowners use heat pumps and gas furnaces for heating, allowing homes to take advantage of the most efficient heating method during any conditions.
Make Your Columbus Furnace Maintenance Appointment Today
Furnace maintenance is a critical service that every homeowner in Columbus, IN, should prioritize. At Advantage Heating & Air Conditioning, our experienced technicians are here to ensure your furnace is ready to face the winter months. Schedule furnace maintenance in Columbus, IN, today and enjoy a warm, comfortable home all season long.
