Most experts recommend scheduling an annual furnace tune-up.
In some cases, however, that may be overkill. For instance, if you have a brand-new furnace and don’t have any pets, you may be able to wait for 2 to 3 years between furnace tune-ups. The best way to know how often you should have your system checked is by asking the HVAC technician the next time they are at your house performing a tune-up.
What Steps Are Involved In A Typical Furnace Tune-Up?
- Cleaning. The technician will clean any dirty internal parts or components. Cleaning could include the burners, the blower fan, the blower motor, the heat exchanger, the combustion chamber, and the jets.
- Testing the temperature differential. The technician uses this test to evaluate how warm the air is when it enters the furnace compared to how warm it is when it leaves the furnace.
- Making sure the condensate lines are clean and working correctly. Lines like these are responsible for draining off any water created by gas combusting in the furnace. They also are tasked with draining condensation from the air conditioner coils.
- Checking the exhaust. The technician will determine the amount of CO2, CO, and O2 that the system emits through a combustion analysis.
- Verifying that the flame sensor and ignitor are in good condition.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Furnace Tune-up?
Most reputable companies charge anywhere from about $90-$150 for a standard furnace tune-up. Think twice before signing up for a special offer from a company offering tune-ups for a much lower price than that. Usually, companies like these will try to get more money from you by recommending repairs or upgrades that you don’t need.
How To Get The Best Value For Your Money
Take advantage of the technician’s expertise during the service visit by asking them whether or not you are using the correct type of filter. The right filter depends on your health, the style of your furnace, and the condition of your home. With so many factors to consider, there is a chance you are using the wrong type of filter. The filter may be too fine to promote optimum efficiency. Or it may be too porous to trap airborne particles.
At the time of the technician’s visit, ask him to install a smart thermostat. Having the technician install the thermostat when they do your tune-up means you won’t have to pay for an additional service visit. Just let them know that you want a new thermostat, as well, when you schedule your tune-up. That way, they will have everything they need when they arrive.