Why Every Home Needs a Furnace Tune-Up: The Ultimate Guide

If you own a vehicle or any gas-powered machinery, regular maintenance is advisable. Over time, carburetors may become misaligned, leading to excessive fuel consumption, stalling due to insufficient fuel supply, or starting issues caused by worn-out spark plugs.

When discussing furnaces, though, one local HVAC contractor I spoke with preferred not to use the term "tune-up," opting instead for simply doing maintenance work. A different local contractor didn't object to using the phrase "tune-up" but refused to disclose what exactly was included since he viewed these details as proprietary information. Seriously?

Luckily, Mark Fisher from New York City, who serves as the general manager for HomeServe Energy Services, along with Mark Woodruff based in Texas, an engineer and senior product manager at Trane Residential, willingly offered their assistance. This advice is crucial for all homeowners since a furnace that isn’t properly cared for tends to malfunction more frequently than one might think, and fixing these issues can be quite costly.

What Does a Furnace Tune-Up Entail?

Overall, it's a check to make sure the furnace The system operates efficiently and consumes minimal fuel. keeping energy costs down .

Fisher offered a comprehensive checklist which he claims takes approximately one hour to complete.

• Verify the safety systems and control measures.
• Check/adjust thermostats.
• Check/clean burners.
• Check/clean pilot.
• Inspect and clean the gauge, then flush the low water cutoff.
• Check filters and belts.
• Inspect the flu pipe and check the chimney draft.
• Inspect the oil levels in engines and pumps.
• Check/clean blower assembly.
• Inspect the condensate line, as needed.

There isn't an established industry norm for furnace maintenance, which means different service providers might allocate varying amounts of time for this task. It’s important to get and examine a detailed list of tasks that will be carried out prior to committing to anything in writing.

Is It Possible to Do a Furnace Tune-Up Yourself?

Sometimes. Certain tasks are simple enough for homeowners to complete themselves.

You can clean the blower assembly, typically located behind an easily removed panel, by wiping it down with a cloth or using compressed air to blow off the dust. If you have a high-efficiency furnace that converts exhaust gases into liquid condensate, you can check the drain pan for standing water and clean out the condensate drain with a wet/dry vacuum.

Many other jobs require specialized testing tools and a deep knowledge of furnace operations. While a motivated homeowner could acquire this equipment and read through their user guide, it usually makes more sense to have a professional handle these tasks.

Woodruff advises homeowners to regularly replace their furnace air filter. According to him, "Clogged filters hinder airflow, causing your HVAC system to operate more strenuously and decreasing its effectiveness." He recommends changing it at least once every quarter as a general guideline.

How Frequently Does a Furnace Require Servicing?

The most frequent response is annually; however, not every homeowner adheres to this practice. According to Fisher, a 2023 HomeServe survey revealed that 21% of participants had never serviced their HVAC units, and an additional 18% had never replaced their filters.

He states that heating and air conditioning systems are the most prone to malfunction among household systems, as 28 percent of homeowners reported needing repairs within the last year.

It boils down to the level of performance you desire from your furnace. An inefficient unit consumes more fuel and has a higher chance of breaking down, leading to expensive emergency "What appears as a small problem today could turn into a costly issue in the future if not resolved," according to Woodruff.

Keeping to an annual tune-up schedule makes good financial sense for another reason. It’s recommended by most manufacturers, and warranties usually stipulate repairs aren’t covered unless you follow it.

What Is the Price of a Furnace Tune-Up?

As per Fisher, the typical expense hovers at approximately $150. Should the maintenance inspection reveal issues requiring extra care, the price could be somewhat elevated. Nevertheless, this remains quite advantageous compared to the usual repair cost which tends to be closer to $450.

Heating System Care and Typical Fixes

Regardless of whether you're conducting regular upkeep or addressing typical problems, these key suggestions will help maintain your furnace’s efficient operation.

• Indications That Your Furnace Requires Maintenance
• Basic Solutions When Your Heater Isn’t Functioning
• Why Self-Service Furnace Care Might Avert a Repair Cost
• Common Furnace Smells and What to Do About Them
• Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?
• What Causes My Furnace To Blow Cold Air?
• Enhance Your Furnace Efficiency with This Easy Tip
• What Causes the Furnace DrainTrap to Be Filled with Water?
• Why Has My Furnace Pilot Light Gone Out and What Steps Should I Take to Reignite It?
• Ways to Clean a Furnace Igniter

About the Experts

• Mike Fisher serves as the general manager for energy services at HomeServe USA The firm provides home repair insurance policies across the country.
• Mark Woodruff serves as an engineer and senior product manager Trane Residential .