How to Tell if it’s Time for a Yearly Furnace Tune-Up
But when was the last time you gave the furnace in your home a checkup? If it was a while ago and you’re starting to see any of these signs, it’s time to schedule some furnace maintenance.
How Often Should I Book a Furnace Tune-Up?
Like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your furnace until it stops working. That’s when you realize how important it is to be prepared for the season ahead.
For older furnaces, you may need further maintenance if you notice unusual smells or sounds coming from the unit. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Why is a Yearly Furnace Tune-Up Important?
The health and safety of your family is your number one priority. You want to ensure that your home is safe, comfortable, and efficient. A furnace tune-up is one way to ensure that your heating system is running at its best and keeping your family safe.
- Reduce energy bills. The more efficiently a furnace runs, the less money you’ll pay on your monthly heating bills. A tune-up can also identify potential problems with your system before they cause damage or costly repairs later on.
- Improve indoor air quality. Improperly functioning furnaces can emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the air. These gases can be dangerous to breathe in, especially when combined with other pollutants in the air, like dust or pollen.
- Increase comfort levels during colder months by ensuring that Heat is distributed evenly throughout all rooms.
Signs you Need a Furnace Tune-Up
If you notice any of the following signs, it is a good idea to schedule furnace maintenance.
A Rise in Energy Bills
A broken thermostat is one of the most common reasons a furnace won’t work correctly. If your thermostat is set too low, it won’t turn on until it reaches that temperature and then stays on until it reaches an even higher temperature. This can lead to excess energy consumption and high energy bills.
A Strange Smell
If something is stinky, it’s time to speak to an HVAC professional. The smell could be caused by burning dust, debris, soot, or other contaminants that have accumulated in the ducts. This could also indicate that there is something wrong with the blower motor.
Heat is Patchy (Or There’s no Heat at All)
If you notice that the Heat is only coming out on one side of the house rather than being circulated throughout, this can indicate issues with your ductwork. Also, if you’re not getting any heat at all, it’s time to call a professional for furnace maintenance.
The Heat Doesn’t Change After Adjusting the Thermostat
The thermostat is the key to keeping your furnace running smoothly. It regulates how much heat your system produces based on your chosen temperature. If there are any issues with the thermostat, this can lead to overheating or underheating problems.
Pilot Light is Yellow or Orange
A red or orange flame means that there’s not enough oxygen reaching the flame to help it burn correctly. If the furnace is working properly, the flame should be blue. If you notice this issue, turn down your thermostat and call an HVAC technician to fix it immediately. You don’t want carbon monoxide leaking into your home.
Your Furnace is on the Older Side
Furnaces are one of the most important appliances in your home. They provide heat for your entire house and can be an investment lasting more than 10 years. However, it’s a well-known fact that older furnaces can lose efficiency over time.
A tune-up is a simple procedure that allows experts to check, clean, and adjust your furnace, so it runs at peak performance. A professional will also look for signs of wear and tear and identify potential problems that could affect the lifespan of your furnace.
Keep your furnace working efficiently this winter by booking a furnace tune-up with the pros at Bell Brothers.