Autumn is in the air in Portland, and now’s the time to start crossing off the tasks on your fall home maintenance checklist. At the top of your list should be your autumn furnace tune-up. Annual preventive maintenance on your furnace will benefit you in these key ways:
- Increase system efficiency.
- Ensure safe operation.
- Lower your energy bills.
- Extend the life of your system.
- Prevent common furnace problems.
Always choose a qualified HVAC technician from a reputable company when choosing a contractor for your furnace maintenance. While tune-ups vary among different companies, they should all include these essential tasks:
- Tighten gas and electrical connections.
- Lubricate the moving parts of the system to prevent damage by friction.
- Inspect the vents for damage and obstructions to ensure proper venting of combustion gases.
- Inspect the terminals and wiring for corrosion, and apply nonconductive coating to terminals as needed.
- Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, dust buildup and rust.
- Inspect ductwork for loose joints and obstructions that can interfere with your comfort.
- Test the airflow for efficient operation.
- Test the system controls to ensure your furnace cycles as it should.
- Check the thermostat for accuracy.
- Test the burner combustion and adjust the pilot light as needed.
- Check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
After your tune-up, there are several things you should do before you turn on your furnace for the first time:
- Stock up on air filters. A clean filter is essential for optimum indoor air quality, preventing dust buildup inside your system and ensuring system efficiency. Inspect your filter each month and replace it with a new one when it’s dirty.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and replace the old batteries with fresh ones. Make sure one is installed on every floor in your home, with one close to your main sleeping area.
- Know the location of your gas shutoff valve and keep it accessible in case of an emergency.
Roth Heating & Cooling can help you have a safe, warm winter. For more expert advice about getting your autumn furnace tune-up, please feel free to contact us at (503) 266-1249.
