Your furnace works hard to keep you and your family warm and comfortable all winter, but it needs your help to keep it performing at its best. An annual tune-up is one of the best ways to ensure that your furnace is ready to do the hard work of heating your home this winter. A routine tune-up does more than ensure your furnace is performing at its best. It ensures your family's safety, helps you save on energy costs and may even help meet the terms of your warranty, too. Here are some commonly asked questions (and their answers) about a furnace tune-up.

Why is a tune-up important?

Like all appliances, your furnace suffers from normal wear and tear as it ages and needs to be monitored to prevent major issues from occurring. A furnace tune-up is important because the service technician checks to see that your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. Any potential issues can often be corrected at this point and help you avoid more costly repairs (or emergency service fees)  in the future. It also gives you the peace of mind of knowing your family will be safe and warm when you need it most. 

When should you get a tune-up?

Although a furnace tune-up can be done at any time, it is generally best to do it in the early fall before the heating season begins. Not only are HVAC technicians typically more available at this time, fall is a good time because it lets you head off any potential problems with the furnace before it begins the hard work of heating your home. If repairs are required, you won't be left without heat waiting for them to be done.

What does a tune-up include?

A furnace tune-up typically includes changing the filter, checking, cleaning and lubricating all moving parts, checking the electrical connections (including the thermostat) and checking the ignition and combustion to ensure the furnace is operating safely and efficiently. This generally includes checking the flue and chimney. It may also include checking ductwork for air leaks and ensuring the pressure is correct for efficient heating.

How does a tune-up affect your warranty?

Generally, your warranty is only good if you have provided routine maintenance for your furnace. Most furnace manufacturers recommend annual maintenance by a professional HVAC service technician and will not cover damage for maintenance performed by another. Getting an annual tune-up shows that you have done your part to provide adequate maintenance.

Is it really worth the cost for a tune-up if you aren't having furnace issues?

It may be tempting to skip your annual tune-up in an attempt to save a few dollars, but you may end up paying much more if your furnace breaks down in the middle of the night and you need to pay for emergency services. An annual tune-up gives your HVAC technician a heads up for future problems and allows you to make small repairs now before they turn into costly ones.

Now is the time to schedule your annual furnace tune-up. Contact us today to make an appointment or to discuss any concerns you have with one of our experienced HVAC technicians.