Now that winter is here, you may have noticed your furnace isn’t running as smoothly as it used to. If your system is running longer than normal, needs a higher setting on your thermostat to keep you comfortable or makes unusual noises, then you need an HVAC professional to inspect your system right away.
The good news is that your heating system may just need a regular furnace maintenance appointment. If you proactively address any heating issues with a furnace tune-up and cleaning, then you won’t get caught in the cold needing a full furnace replacement later in the season.
So what should you ask a potential HVAC service provider when shopping around for your next furnace cleaning and tune-up? Confirm that their heater service technicians perform the seven following furnace maintenance essentials:

1. Set Gas Pressure

Every heater maintenance tune-up should check and set proper gas pressure for your gas-powered furnace. Proper gas pressure enables your heating system to run more efficiently and work within its designed parameters. Having too high or too low of gas pressure in your furnace damages the system, meaning increased utility bills and decreased parts and machine life.

2. Clean Burners

For your gas furnace, properly cleaned burners are a must for furnace maintenance. When burners are clean, the system burns the correct amount of gas, maximizing your utility usage. This step alone results in utility bill savings throughout the winter season.

3. Heat Exchanger Inspection

During your next furnace maintenance appointment, double check that the heat exchanger in your furnace is inspected for any breaches that could lead to unsafe operating conditions. Furnace cleanings and tune-ups don’t just save you money: they also keep your home safe.

4. Blower Cleaning

To ensure proper airflow through your heating system and ducts, confirm that your technician cleans the blower motor and wheels. Dirt is the number one factor that decreases the efficiency and life of an HVAC unit. Also, make sure your technician cleans these other essential parts of your heating system.

5. Check Electrical Components

Have your heater service technician check all electrical components of your furnace to ensure that connections are tight. This tightening reduces the risk of unnecessary failing of electrical components, saving you from a complete furnace shutdown all due to one loose wire.

6. Inspect The Igniter

Every furnace tune-up should include a check and inspection of your system’s igniter to certify that it is in proper working order. The igniter is the “spark” in the lighter of your gas furnace that causes the gas to turn into a heat-generating flame. Though a very small part of your overall heating system, a working igniter makes the difference between a chilly house and a well-heated home.

7. Calibrate The Thermostat

Ensure your furnace maintenance technician calibrates your thermostat on every visit. When your thermostat isn’t calibrated correctly to your furnace, you end up setting your thermostat higher or lower in order to compensate. In the process, you use more energy to achieve the temperature you want in your home. However, with a properly calibrated thermostat, your furnace and thermostat work together at maximum efficiency – saving you money and keeping you comfortable.

Call a Furnace Repair & Maintenance Pro

Before you’re stuck in a chilly house and calling for an emergency furnace repair, schedule a furnace maintenance appointment today. If your HVAC technician covers these seven essentials during his tune-up and cleaning, then your furnace is set for the season and you are able to enjoy the comfort of your home worry-free.