How Fall Furnace Tune-Ups Ensure a Trouble-Free Winter
Wear and tear. It’s a phrase we’ve all heard in describing why seemingly well-made furnaces become less efficient and reliable over time, but what does it actually mean? And, more importantly, are routine fall tune-ups really enough to slow it down and prevent your furnace from failing at the worst possible time?
Let’s find out.
Why Good Furnaces Go Bad
The sad truth is that all mechanical systems eventually wear out with heavy use. Some amount of stress, friction and vibration is inevitable, and it can take a heavy toll on your equipment.
However, many other factors that may contribute to wear and tear are far from unavoidable. Understanding how these issues affect your furnace and what to do about them can help keep your system running trouble-free for years to come.
Dirt and Dust
Dust is the natural enemy of any HVAC system. Not only does it clog up vents and air filters — more on that in a moment — but it can also interfere with proper ignition and combustion in furnace burners. In addition, dirt can reduce the efficiency of furnace heat exchangers and increase friction in blower motors and other moving parts.
Insufficient Airflow
The average furnace needs to move several million cubic feet of air every single day. Naturally, the harder it has to work to circulate that air, the more quickly its internal components will wear down. Dirty air filters are the most obvious airflow complication, but obstructed vents and dust-encrusted grilles aren’t far behind.
Improper Combustion
A healthy furnace should produce a bright, unflickering blue flame, indicating it’s burning cleanly with an optimal air-to-fuel ratio. A yellow or flickering burner flame is an indication of something altering this precise balance, preventing the fuel from combusting fully. This forces your furnace to work even harder to compensate, and it can also fill the combustion chamber and flue pipe with soot.
Defective Thermostat
A broken or poorly calibrated thermostat may keep your furnace running long after hitting your desired temperature, putting lots of unnecessary miles on its proverbial odometer. Conversely, it can also cause the system to continually shut down and restart prematurely. This is known as short cycling, and it can inflict serious damage on your equipment if left unchecked.
How Fall Tune-Ups Stop Trouble in Its Tracks
If you want to protect your furnace from the rigors of everyday use, it’s important to be proactive. That means having your system serviced at least once a year, preferably during the fall season. Fall tune-ups are ideal for getting your heater in tip-top shape before cold weather arrives, ensuring maximum reliability and performance throughout the winter months.
To do this, technicians typically start with a comprehensive inspection to assess the overall condition of your furnace and look for signs of trouble. Next, they work their way through each individual component, performing essential maintenance tasks such as:
Installing fresh air filter
- Checking heat exchanger
- Measuring airflow and flue draft
- Cleaning and lubricating blower motor
- Checking belts and bearings
- Testing electrical connections
- Verifying thermostat calibration
- Testing sensors and safety controls
- Servicing burner and ignition
- Measuring combustion efficiency
Once the tune-up is completed, the technician will perform a final round of tests and present their findings. They may also provide additional recommendations, such as helpful upgrades or worn-out parts that need replacement.
The Perks of Professional Heating Maintenance
By targeting the most common causes of premature wear and tear, expert furnace tune-ups can save you plenty of time, money and frustration. Regular preventive maintenance not only keeps your system running smoothly but also helps to catch potential problems as early as possible. This ensures you get the very best out of your furnace, resulting in:
Greater reliability and fewer repair calls
- Enhanced efficiency and lower energy bills
- Cozier, more consistent home heating
- Improved safety and indoor air quality
- A longer equipment service life
Gear Up for Winter With Bradenton One Hour
Here in Southwest Florida, Autumn isn’t just the season to enjoy stone crabs, cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice. For homeowners in the know, it’s also the perfect time to dial up the HVAC maintenance pros at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating.
With fair prices, stellar service and highly qualified technicians, we’re your premier source for comprehensive fall tune-ups in Bradenton, FL and beyond. At Bradenton One Hour, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime. Drop us a line today and let us put your mind at ease!
