Do I Really Need a Furnace Tune-Up?
If you have a furnace heating your home, getting it inspected and tuned up each year is recommended by manufacturers and technicians alike. But is a yearly furnace tune-up absolutely necessary? We wouldn’t tell you to stress it if you miss a year, but tune-ups help prevent breakdowns or unforeseen repairs, ensure your HVAC is operating efficiently and safely, and more.
Why You Should Get a Yearly Furnace Tune-Up
Improved Safety
A furnace that hasn’t been properly maintained has a higher risk of developing issues like gas leaks, cracked heat exchangers, and malfunctioning sensors. Getting an annual inspection can catch these problems early and prevent serious safety hazards.
Greater Energy Efficiency
Over years of use, a furnace’s components can get dirty or fall out of calibration. An HVAC technician will clean key parts like burners and filters and make adjustments to improve airflow and combustion efficiency. These cleanings and adjustments can save you money on your energy bills.
Fewer Unexpected Repairs
Furnace and HVAC parts like belts, blowers, and igniters wear out from usage over time. If they aren’t replaced on schedule, they’re more likely to break down when you need your furnace the most. Preventative maintenance and tune-ups allow you to budget for repairs and replace parts before they lead to breakdowns. Sometimes, one part breaking down can damage or disrepair other parts, so being ahead of breakdowns with preventative maintenance is key to lower repair costs.
Extended Furnace Lifespan
Like any hard-working machine, regular maintenance and cleaning will keep your furnace working longer and better. When wear-and-tear lingers from year to year, breakdowns can happen more quickly. Getting yearly tune-ups can add years to your furnace’s lifespan and efficiency.
Can a Tune-up Wait?
If money is tight, or your furnace is fairly new and working fine, you may be able to safely go a year without a tune-up. Just keep the following in mind:
1. Check filters monthly and replace if dirty. Dirty filters strain your furnace, making it work harder and use more energy.
2. Vacuum furnace vents yearly to remove dust buildup.
3. Call for a tune-up if you notice any new noises, smells, or performance issues. Catching problems early is key.
4. Clean your condenser! Dust, debris, weeds, and more can get into your condenser outside, making it work overtime.
While a yearly tune-up is usually recommended, keeping up with simple maintenance yourself can buy you some years between professional inspections. Just don’t let too much time lapse – more than 2 years without a pro tune-up or inspection is pushing it.
Keep Your HVAC Kickin’
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your furnace and air conditioning. Given the essential role furnaces play in keeping homes warm in frigid weather and cool in hot weather, preventing breakdowns and energy inefficiency should be a top priority.
If you’ve got questions about tune-ups or your home’s HVAC, contact Compass Heating & Cooling at 970-508-3402 to learn more about our tune-ups, or sign up for our annual maintenance & membership service – Compass Club. With our friendly, knowledgeable, certified technicians on the job before each heating season, you can avoid costly and cold winter furnace surprises.
