“How often do I need a furnace tune up?” “Do I really need a furnace tune up?” If these questions come to mind, you’ve probably waited a bit too long for a furnace tune up. That’s ok!
It just means your unchecked furnace and duct system are more vulnerable to your furnace breaking down and needing repair. Ideally, you should book an annual furnace tune up every fall, as soon as Toronto area temperatures start to drop.
Benefits of a Furnace Tune Up
Tune ups do more than ensure furnaces produce heat efficiently; they improve air quality, save you money and keep you safe. During an inspection, your HVAC technician will optimize all the heating system components.
Saves on Energy Bills
Simple home maintenance can lower your energy bill. It’s expensive to heat a home, and a dirty furnace compounds this problem because it works extra hard during the heating season to keep us warm. Furnace tune ups increase energy efficiency and allow you to get the full benefit from an appliance we heavily rely on.
Improve Air Quality
In the wintertime, we close the windows and assume we are breathing clean air. Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case. To heat your home, a combustion process takes place inside your furnace. This action involves burning fuel and produces unhealthy residue that builds up and affects your home’s air quality. During an annual furnace checkup, a technician will clean the unit and the area around it. Also, all tune ups include an air filter change. More involved maintenance involves checking and cleaning your duct system.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Leaks
A critically important reason to have an HVAC system professional perform regular maintenance on your furnace is to prevent harmful carbon monoxide leaks. When a furnace is not operating properly, there is a chance of a dangerous CO gas leak.
Trained technicians can identify the sources of leaks; they’ll inspect flue pipes and examine heat exchangers, looking for cracks. So, don’t wait—schedule a furnace tune up today.
Prevent Multiple Repairs
Spotty or poor maintenance will lead to unnecessary repair bills. Even small issues, like loose drain lines, water leaking from the furnace or defective pilot lights, can add up. And, if you wait for your furnace to break down, we guarantee you’ll pay more than if you catch a problem early. A service visit will reveal if your furnace needs attention and keep it running smoothly all winter long.
How To Prepare Your Furnace For Winter
Homeowners can help prepare an HVAC system for the colder months. Make time each fall to complete a few easy tasks before turning on your furnace.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Grab your calendar and schedule a furnace tune up because some duties require special training and should be left to a professional. If possible, schedule your furnace maintenance well before the frigid weather arrives. Not only will your heating system be ready for action, but it’ll also be very easy to book an appointment.
(Note: If you have a heat pump in Toronto, it should be maintained twice a year because it works twice as hard, heating your home in the winter and cooling it in the summer!)
Furnace Filter
There are many opinions about how often to change furnace filters, but most experts agree they should be replaced every 2-3 months—that’s why they are sold in multi-packs! Set a reminder on your phone to check regularly. Filters that appear grey or have visible build-up should be replaced with a new air filter. Lots can go wrong if not replaced – like a furnace making loud noises.
Thermostat
When your thermostat isn’t working, your furnace won’t either. Before an HVAC tech visits, test the system. Bring the temperature up high enough to engage the furnace. If nothing happens, swap out the batteries and try again. The furnace should come to life, and the display should change from COOL to HEAT. Discuss any problems with a professional.
Air Conditioner
After months of use, your air conditioner needs some care and should be protected from leaves, branches and the looming snow. First, cover the top of the AC unit with a small tarp or board and then secure it with ropes or bungee cord to keep it in place. Avoid blocking the sides completely, or you’ll end up trapping water inside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
If you don’t already own some, purchase carbon monoxide detectors for your home. You should have one in each bedroom and at least one on every level of your house. Don’t risk a carbon monoxide leak; each fall, as part of your winter preparation ritual, replace the batteries and test the alarms to make sure they are in working order.
What Does a Furnace Tune Up Consist Of?
Your tune up will include a comprehensive inspection of your furnace. We’ll perform tests and ensure everything is working properly. This typically involves checking the:
- Heat exchanger
- Burners
- Air vents (to ensure proper airflow)
- High limit settings and fan control
- Manifold pressure
- Temperature rise
- Carbon monoxide (CO) levels in fuel products
- Combustion and ventilation air supply
- Thermostats
- Safety controls (including set points and functions)
- Condensate drain trap and pan
- Circulating air blower
- Belts and pulleys
- Motor amperages
- Air filter
- Access panels (to confirm they are secure)
- Electrical connections
- Gas piping
- Exhaust fans
- And more!
Professional Furnace Maintenance and Tune Ups
Avoid breakdowns and costly repairs with regular tune up. Schedule your furnace maintenance with Husky today, or subscribe to our Toronto furnace protection and maintenance program. With our help, your furnace will always perform at its best, and you’ll stay warm all season!