Regular furnace maintenance, including inspections and tune-ups, are essential for your home HVAC system to continue operating efficiently and safely. When your furnace system is serviced before and after winter, you can count on optimal performance, good comfort, and improved airflow in the indoor space.
The Importance of Furnace Maintenance
The furnace is an integral part of your HVAC system. That’s why Air Repair Pros, an HVAC company in Frisco, TX, recommends two annual inspections of your HVAC system. During furnace maintenance, the technician will clean the system’s components. Then, they will adjust all the parts and mechanisms inside the furnace. Doing so will keep the system running effectively throughout the winter season. The technician will also conduct a comprehensive inspection to diagnose potential issues before they become more significant problems and lead to a furnace breakdown. After so many years in the business, Air Repair Pros has developed a complete furnace tune-up checklist that prevents corrosion and increases the system’s efficiency.
Furnace Tune Up Checklist
- Change Filters: Regularly changing your HVAC system’s air filters is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and system efficiency. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to your system. We recommend checking and replacing your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type.
- Lubricate Blower and Bearings: Proper lubrication of your blower and bearings ensures smooth operation and reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system. We use high-quality lubricants to keep your system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
- Turn Off Humidifier: In the warmer months, turning off your humidifier can help prevent excess moisture in your home, which can lead to mold growth and poor indoor air quality. We’ll ensure your humidifier is properly turned off and ready for the cooling season.
- Check Fan Speed: Optimal fan speed is essential for efficient air circulation and comfort. Our technicians will check and adjust the fan speed settings as needed to ensure your system is operating at peak performance.
- Check Blower Rotation: Proper blower rotation ensures that air is being circulated correctly throughout your home. We’ll check the blower rotation direction and make adjustments if necessary for optimal airflow.
- Check Condensate Drain: A clogged condensate drain can lead to water damage and mold growth. We’ll inspect the condensate drain for any blockages and ensure it’s draining properly to prevent issues.
- Check Thermostat: Your thermostat plays a crucial role in controlling your HVAC system. We’ll check the thermostat settings, calibration, and battery to ensure accurate temperature control and efficient operation.
- Check & Clean Condenser: The condenser unit outside your home plays a critical role in cooling your home. We’ll check the condenser coils for dirt and debris and clean them if necessary to maintain optimal performance.
- Check Operating Pressure: Monitoring the operating pressure of your HVAC system helps ensure it’s running efficiently and safely. We’ll check the pressure levels and make adjustments as needed to maintain proper operation.
- Check Amp Draw of the Motor: Checking the amp draw of the motor helps us ensure that your HVAC system is not overworking, which can lead to premature failure. We’ll measure the amp draw and compare it to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure everything is running smoothly.
- Check Ambient Temperature: Monitoring the ambient temperature around your HVAC system helps us understand its operating conditions. We’ll check the ambient temperature and make adjustments to ensure your system is operating efficiently.
- Check Refrigerant Charge: Proper refrigerant charge is essential for efficient cooling. We’ll check the refrigerant levels and add more if necessary to ensure your system is operating at peak performance.
- Check Suction Line Temperature: Monitoring the suction line temperature helps us ensure that your HVAC system is cooling properly. We’ll check the suction line temperature and make adjustments as needed for optimal performance.
- Check Contactors and Relays: Contactor and relay problems can cause your HVAC system to malfunction. We’ll inspect these components for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary to prevent future issues.
- Check All Safety Controls: Safety controls are essential for protecting your HVAC system from damage and ensuring safe operation. We’ll check all safety controls to ensure they’re functioning correctly and provide you with peace of mind.
- Check All Wiring Connections: Faulty wiring connections can lead to electrical problems and system failure. We’ll inspect all wiring connections for signs of damage or corrosion and make repairs as needed to ensure proper operation.
- Check Start & Run Capacitors: Capacitors help start and run your HVAC system’s motors. We’ll check these components for any signs of failure and replace them if necessary to prevent motor damage.
- Check Condenser Fan Motor: The condenser fan motor plays a crucial role in cooling your home. We’ll check the motor for any signs of wear or damage and lubricate it as needed to ensure proper operation.
- Check Rain Shield: The rain shield helps protect your HVAC system from water damage. We’ll inspect the rain shield for any damage and make repairs as needed to ensure your system is protected.
- Check Compressor: The compressor is the heart of your HVAC system. We’ll check the compressor for any signs of wear or damage and ensure it’s operating efficiently to keep your home cool.
- Check Temperature Drop Across the Coil: Monitoring the temperature drop across the coil helps us ensure that your HVAC system is cooling properly. We’ll check the temperature drop and make adjustments as needed for optimal performance.
Do you need a furnace tune-up every six months?
HVAC inspections are typically recommended twice a year, ideally in the spring before the cooling season and in the fall before the heating season. There are several reasons why regular inspections are important:
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections help identify and address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. This can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
- Optimal Performance: Inspections ensure that your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. This can help lower your energy bills and extend the lifespan of your system. Furnace maintenance service by Air Repair Pros also includes gas calibration and cleaning and inspection of the burner to ensure the output temperature is adequate. Our technicians ensure the safe operation of the burner and use the furnace tune-up checklist to maintain the overall performance of the HVAC system.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Inspections often include checking, cleaning, or replacing components like air filters, ducts, and coils, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens and pollutants in your home. The process helps remove the dust and debris accumulated in the system, improving air quality in the indoor space, and helping prevent respiratory disorders. Duct cleaning removes even more dirt and dust from your home.
- Safety: HVAC systems that are not properly maintained can pose safety risks, such as carbon monoxide leaks. Regular inspections help ensure that your system is operating safely.
- Proper Airflow: Limited or restricted airflow can significantly strain the furnace system, decreasing its lifespan. Our technician will perform a static airflow test to measure the ability of the fan to move air throughout your home.
- Warranty Compliance: Some HVAC manufacturers require regular maintenance as a condition of their warranty. Regular inspections help ensure that your system remains under warranty coverage.
Overall, regular HVAC inspections are essential for maintaining the efficiency, reliability, and safety of your HVAC system. They can also help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, ensuring that your home remains comfortable year-round.