Your Fall Furnace Tune-up: What Will Your Technician Tend to?

Here’s the reality: not all fall furnace tune-up appointments are the same. Every HVAC company uses its own checklist, so what’s included in one company’s list may be considered an extra service task at another company. That being said, there are some general things that most HVAC technicians will tend to, and then there are higher-level maintenance items that may require a special appointment or an additional charge.

General Fall Furnace Tune-up Checklist

The following items are usually covered on any furnace tune-up checklist. That being said, it’s always a good idea to ask your HVAC contractor ahead of time so you know what is included and what isn’t.

• Check thermostat settings. Your HVAC technician will want to ensure your thermostat works correctly, and responds appropriately to programming and setting changes.
• Parts lubrication. All moving parts should be lubricated at least once a year to prevent excess wear and tear and increase efficiency.
• Inspect electrical components. The electrical components will be inspected and tightened as necessary. He will also measure the voltage and current on the motors.
• Inspect condensate drain. Your condensate drain will be inspected to make sure it was draining properly through the cooling season.
• Heat exchangers. These should be inspected for any cracks or separations that can cause carbon monoxide buildup in the home, compromising your family’s safety.
• Control check. He will also check the controls and run the system to ensure it starts, cycles and stops properly.
• Blower wheel. This should be inspected for debris and will need to be cleaned if it’s dirty.
• Chimney/flue inspection. The chimney/flue should be inspected for cracks, poor seals, or other signs of wear and tear that need to be addressed.
• Gas line inspection. The gas line should be inspected for leaks.
• Burners/ignitions. These should be checked to make sure they are igniting/burning efficiently. They should be cleaned if needed.
• Filter changes. If needed, the furnace filter will be changed to increase efficiency and maintain healthy indoor air quality. Homeowners should get in the habit of inspecting the filter, and changing it if it’s dirty, on a monthly basis.

Interested in a fall furnace tune-up for your Cleveland area home? Contact the HVAC experts at Stack Heating & Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace tune-ups and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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