Keep Your Furnace In Great Condition: Tips for Tune-Ups and Maintenance

When you live this far north and regularly see -40 degrees in the winter time there is almost nothing more important than making absolutely certain that your furnace is in good shape! My mom got into the habit when we were kids of keeping a dry erase board by the front door. On it was all the basic annual / yearly and / or monthly maintenance or chores that had to be completed. That included the furnace and propane tanks etc. Every single one of them included a date and check mark beside it. If it needs maintenance she erases the date until she gets it done. So impressive and so organized!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Your furnace uses fuel or electricity and is responsible for heating air and pushing it through your ductwork and throughout the house. A furnace is your family’s lifeline during the cold winter months, and it should be adequately maintained so that it can have a long-lasting lifespan.

Maintaining a furnace will maximize its efficiency, prevent breakdowns, eliminate safety hazards, and lower heating costs. Read the following tips on maintaining your furnace to learn more.

What Maintenance Should I Do On My Furnace?

Usually, most furnace manufacturers recommend that qualified technicians perform annual maintenance since it benefits your unit and keeps it working for years to come. In addition, the warranties associated with their products also mention that any damage from lack of care will not be covered.

How Often Should You Have A Furnace Serviced?

So, how often should you have a furnace serviced? Generally, annual maintenance is enough to get by, but it’s better to service it in the .

While the furnace works hard for your family, improper maintenance could result in common issues.

• Dirty filters – clogged filters make your furnace work harder than it should just to warm your home.

• Faulty Pilot light – cleaning and inspecting the pilot button and exercising any gas valves should help to keep things working smoothly.

• Cracked Heat Exchanger – a dangerous issue that can leak carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot into your home that can affect your families’ health, causing nausea and headaches.

Frequent maintenance is essential but going the extra mile to keep your furnace in tip-top shape doesn’t hurt either. First, ask your HVAC technician to perform a tune-up. 

What Does a Furnace Tune-Up Consist Of?

Furnace tune-ups highlight minor issues that could later result in a significant repair. Therefore, tune-up services usually include these steps: 

• Clean the blower compartment and adjust the burners.

• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks.

• Inspect igniter and pilot light.

• Check ductwork and connections for proper airflow.

Ideally, you’ll want to perform tune-ups at least two to four times a year. To keep your furnace going strong, you should also have a licensed, professional HVAC technician perform inspections.

What Should I Expect From a Furnace Inspection?

Getting an inspection requires a reliable company you can count on in any situation. The experienced professionals at KTS Heating and Cooling Inc. go above and beyond to provide high-quality maintenance and repair services with fast response times. If you need furnace repair in Chicago, KTS Heating and Cooling Inc. will support you with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

KTS will perform an inspection using similar steps below:

• Check the vent system for leaks or blockages.

• Examine the heat exchanger for signs of corrosion, cracks, or separation. 

• Check and remove the blower to clean its components.

• Test for a tight seal on the blower access door.

• Check air intake grills for blockages.

• Perform an amp-draw test on the blower motor and ensure it’s up to specifications.

• Check the burner for proper ignition and test the flame sensor.

• Lubricate all the motor’s moving parts to reduce premature failure.

• Check electrical connections for corrosion and rust and tighten them. 

• Test the thermostat calibration.

• Examine the flue for blockages.

• Test the unit’s safety measures.

• Check the belts for signs of wear.

• Test the system for a proper startup cycle.

• Check the furnace’s air filter for cleanliness.

After a thorough examination, your technician should be able to present their findings and recommendations to you.

How Long Do Furnaces Usually Last?

Many factors determine the lifespan of your furnace; however, you can still estimate its life expectancy. There are two standard furnaces in operation today: gas and electric furnaces. Generally, electric furnaces last longer than gas furnaces because of their simpler design. 

• A gas furnace can last 15 and 20 years.
• An electric furnace can last 20 to 30 years. 

How Do You Know If Your Furnace Is Dying?

Not all furnaces suddenly stop working. Usually, there are obvious signs that your furnace is moving onto the afterlife. 

• Age is a good indicator. If it’s 16-20 years old, you should start shopping now.

• If you notice that some rooms are warmer than others or are constantly adjusting the thermostat, the unit is having trouble circulating air properly.

• If the furnace makes strange noises like popping or squealing, its time is short. 

• Beyond lazy cleaning habits, excessive dust levels are another sign that you’ve got a furnace problem on your hands. You might also notice drier skin and lots of static in the house.

These underlying issues can be dismissed, and problems can also occur with your thermostat that gives the illusion of a dying furnace. However, if you are unsure about your situation, contact KTS Heating and Cooling Inc., and their trained staff will get to the bottom of the issue quickly.

What Are the Signs of A Bad Furnace Thermostat?

One of the first components an HVAC technician will check is the thermostat. Some signs of a bad thermostat include: 

• Furnace won’t turn on – an obvious sign of a bad thermostat is that the HVAC system will not respond to commands from the device. If changing from heating to cooling makes no difference, then it could mean your thermostat is bad.
• HVAC system short cycles – this is when your system shuts off too early during heating or cooling and doesn’t complete the process. 

If you have tried to troubleshoot the issue yourself with no luck, give KTS Heating and Cooling Inc. a call at 708-373-2902, and they will send a certified technician to assess the problem. 

Final Thoughts

When preventable furnace issues appear, they can sometimes leave your family in a bad situation. You need a highly-rated HVAC company to inspect, maintain, and provide knowledgeable solutions. You need KTS Heating and Cooling Inc. 

KTS can help with your furnace repair in Chicago and keep it running for years to come. Their certified technicians can repair any type of heating system from any brand.

By working with KTS Heating and Cooling Inc., you will ensure that your furnace serves you well. If you notice any signs of a furnace malfunction, they offer the best quality furnace repair in Chicago to keep your unit running smoothly. 

Has your furnace finally kicked the bucket? Call KTS and talk with their experienced staff or visit their website to get a free quote on any repair or replacement services. 

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)