If you are wondering which is the best month to tune on your furnace, do it before the first cold nights of late fall and winter, when you will need to switch the furnace on for the first time this season. Having a professional furnace service technician evaluate your system before you turn on your furnace allows them to identify any problems before they become more severe.
Having your furnace inspected before the colder months of the year also improves your energy savings. An unmaintained furnace uses more energy, increasing your gas or electric expense. And you don’t want this, do you?
You get the most out of your energy investment by having a professional technician inspect your system before you start using it. That means more money stays in your pocket.
Why do you need to tune up your furnace?
There are plenty of benefits that come with tuning up your furnace. These benefits include:
Increased energy efficiency: A furnace tune-up is bound to improve your system’s efficiency, potentially saving you money throughout the winter months.
Longer system lifespan: Regular maintenance of your furnace will help your furnace last longer, reducing the need for furnace replacement.
Less risk of system failure: Nobody wants their furnace to break down in the middle of the night. An annual checkup by a skilled professional will help your furnace last the season without any issues.
Better heating performance: Why have a furnace if it won’t heat your home the way you want? A furnace tune-up can resolve inconsistent heating and other performance issues.
Warranty maintenance: Many furnace manufacturers offer warranties on their systems, but there is one catch: to preserve the warranty year to year, you must arrange annual maintenance with a qualified specialist.
What is involved in a furnace tune-up?
Many things go on, with the common ones being:
Cleaning the air filters
Keeping the air cleaners clean is essential for your furnace to function properly. A filthy filter can reduce airflow and increase your energy expenditures. Regularly changing or cleaning them promotes air circulation and cleans the air in your home, making it more comfortable during the winter months.
Choosing the right filter.
Choosing an effective filter will help your furnace run more efficiently. Look for one that captures microscopic particles such as dust and allergens to keep the air healthy. Filters having a MERV rating of 8 or above are typically high-efficiency.
Choose one that effectively cleans the air while still allowing air to pass through easily, ensuring that your furnace functions properly.
When it’s freezing outside, change or clean the air filters once a month. This prevents dirt and debris from obstructing or delaying airflow. Maintaining a regular filter change schedule extends the life of your furnace. It keeps the air in your home clean. Additionally, you will save money on your expenses.
Setting the thermostat properly
Proper thermostat settings are vital for both energy efficiency and comfort. In the colder months, you should keep the temperature in your furnace above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering it when you’re not at home or asleep conserves energy. This benefits both your pocket and the environment.
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is a wise decision. It allows you to create timetables to improve efficiency. The device regulates temperatures to keep your home warm without wasting electricity.
To improve your HVAC system’s performance, adjust the settings accordingly. Your HVAC system may be inoperable if it is not properly configured. Getting it tuned up and calibrated allows it to read temperatures more precisely. This prevents energy waste and system overload.
Cleaning the air vents
Keeping air vents clean is essential for your home’s comfort and efficiency. Dust and particle buildup can obstruct airflow, reducing your machine’s efficiency. If the air in your home begins to deteriorate, it is time for a checkup.
Keeping them clean ensures that your HVAC system works properly. This promotes improved air flow throughout your home.
When air vents are dusty, airflow is reduced. This causes your furnace to work harder. As a result, you may experience higher energy bills and feel less comfortable.
Blocked vents lead to inconsistent heating and poor indoor air quality. Regularly cleaning them promotes good air circulation and keeps your furnace functioning properly. This is particularly crucial in the winter.
To clear the vents, turn off your heating system to avoid accidents while cleaning. You should remove the covers and wipe them with a moist cloth or vacuum them.
Using a vacuum attachment, remove dust and debris from the duct apertures and ensure that no furniture or drapes are obscuring them.
Once you are done, place the covers back on securely.
Doing this improves ventilation and increases heating efficiency, and you are bound to have a great winter.
Sealing the ductwork
Sealing ductwork improves your HVAC system’s performance. Air leaks might increase your utility rates. To be on the safe side, repair these leaks, and you could save up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs. Hiring a competent HVAC contractor is a good way to ensure no leaks are missed.
Aeroseal technology is an effective technique for sealing leaks, including those that are difficult to detect. You should be able to detect these hidden leaks during routine inspections. This is why employing specialists is essential. They detect and repair leaks that you may not be aware of.
When leaks are sealed, your HVAC system consumes less energy. This reduces waste and keeps your system from being overloaded. It saves energy and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature. This method eliminates irritating hot or cold patches.
Sealing your ducts saves money on heating and improves your home’s air quality. It prevents dust, pollen, and other particles from going inside. Professional sealing by reputable HVAC companies Huntington can reduce leaks by up to 90%, significantly improving your HVAC system’s performance.
Parting shot
Now you know the best time to tune up your furnace and how to do it right. As mentioned, always ensure that the work is done by a professional who knows what they are doing. You don’t want to use your unit without being sure whether it will take you through the night, do you?
