What is a Furnace Tune-Up?
May 15, 2024
What is a Furnace Tune-Up?
Some HVAC pros prefer to call it routine maintenance. Whatever you call a tune-up, it keeps your furnace in top shape and saves you money.
Similar to your car or other gasoline-powered equipment, a periodic tune-up is needed. Carburetors can fall out of adjustment and burn too much fuel, stall because they aren’t getting enough fuel, or fail to start because of worn spark plugs. Your furnace needs to be cleaned and sometimes adjusted to ensure it is working properly and to its fullest potential.
Furnace Tune-up?
In general, it’s an inspection to ensure the furnace system runs efficiently and burns as little fuel as possible, keeping energy costs down. Here are some checks/steps that a HVAC technician would typically perform:
- Check safety systems and controls.
- Check/adjust thermostats.
- Check/clean burners.
- Check/clean pilot.
- Check/clean gauge and flush low water cut-off.
- Check filters and belts.
- Check flue pipe and chimney draft.
- Check oil in motors and pumps.
- Check/clean blower assembly.
- Check condensate line, if applicable.
There is no industry standard for furnace tune-ups, so some contractors may spend more time on it than others. Be sure to obtain and review a list of work to be performed before signing anything.
How Often Is a Furnace Tune-up Necessary?
It is recommended to have a tune up or maintenance on your furnace to ensure it is working properly. A unit that runs inefficiently wastes fuel and is more likely to break down. What might seem like an inexpensive issue if not dealt with properly could end up costing you a lot more.
Keeping to an annual tune-up schedule makes good financial sense for another reason. It’s recommended by most manufacturers, and warranties usually stipulate repairs aren’t covered unless you follow it.
How Much Does a Furnace Tune-up Cost?
According to Forbes.com the average cost is typically $150 - $300 depending on your area. If the maintenance visit turns up anything that needs special attention, the cost may be a little higher.
