As a homeowner, it’s easy to forget about your furnace until something goes wrong. However, regular furnace maintenance is key to keeping your heating system running smoothly, especially during our freezing cold winters. Whether you’re in Murphysboro, IL, or the Carbondale, IL area, scheduling an annual furnace tune up helps protect your home, your wallet, and your family’s safety.
At Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing, we specialize in keeping furnaces in top shape. In this blog, we’ll discuss why furnace maintenance is crucial, what’s involved in a furnace tune up, and how Heartland makes it easy to stay on top of your HVAC system care.
Why Is Furnace Maintenance Important?
Regular furnace maintenance is important for a variety of reasons. First, it helps prevent costly repairs by catching small issues before they turn into big problems. For example, during a furnace inspection, a trained HVAC technician can identify problems with the furnace’s blower motor, heat exchanger, or even issues like a gas leak or faulty pilot light. These issues, if left unchecked, can lead to carbon monoxide leaks or leave you without heat during the winter.
Additionally, routine furnace maintenance ensures proper airflow, which is essential for both comfort and safety. A well-maintained furnace improves indoor air quality, reduces utility bills, and keeps your home warm and cozy when the cold weather hits.
What Maintenance Does a Furnace Need?
A thorough furnace tune up goes far beyond a basic inspection. At Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing, our experienced HVAC technicians focus on every aspect of your system to ensure it’s operating at its best. Here’s what you can expect during our furnace tune ups:
Full System Inspection
Our team starts by performing a thorough inspection of your entire heating system, looking at key components like the furnace’s flame sensor, heat exchanger, and combustion chamber. We check for cracks, corrosion, or wear that could cause inefficiency or safety concerns.
In-Depth Furnace Cleaning
Dust and debris can build up over time, affecting your furnace’s performance. As part of our furnace maintenance checklist, we clean the furnace cabinet, blower compartment, air filter, and other critical parts. Cleaning the flue pipe also ensures safe ventilation of harmful gasses.
Blower Motor and Airflow Testing
Your furnace’s blower motor and blower wheel are responsible for circulating heated air through the home. We inspect and test these components to ensure they’re working at peak efficiency and providing consistent warmth. We also check for any blockages or issues with the return air ducts, which can impact performance and increase your energy bills.
Thermostat Evaluation and Electrical System Check
A reliable thermostat also helps keep your furnace running smoothly. We evaluate the thermostat to make sure it’s functioning properly and communicating with the furnace. Our technicians also inspect all electrical connections and wiring to ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently, preventing issues like cold air blowing when it shouldn’t.
Gas Line and Pressure Testing
If you have a natural gas furnace, we inspect the gas line and perform pressure tests to ensure the system is operating safely. This also includes checking the gas valve and gas pressure to prevent potential gas leaks. Ensuring proper fuel combustion is essential for maintaining efficiency and safety during the heating season.
Recommendations and Next Steps
After completing the furnace tune up, we provide you with our expert recommendations. This includes any furnace repairs that may be needed as well as advice for future maintenance to keep your system in top condition.Â
If a furnace replacement is on the horizon, we’ll guide you through your options, offering financing to help make the transition easier. As a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, we also provide access to top-of-the-line equipment to ensure you get the best equipment for your home.
When Should You Schedule a Furnace Tune Up?
The best time to schedule a furnace tune up is before your HVAC system gets heavy use, particularly as temperatures begin to drop. In Southern Illinois, this means scheduling your furnace maintenance service in late summer or early fall. A fall furnace maintenance visit still allows plenty of time to address any furnace repairs or even replace a broken-down heater if necessary.Â
By staying ahead of the cold weather, you can ensure your heating system is ready to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter. However, that’s not the only time you should schedule a furnace tune up:
- Unexplained increase in energy bills: Rising utility bills could mean your furnace is working harder than it should. A tune-up can restore efficiency and lower those costs.
- Long time since last service: If it’s been over a year since your last furnace inspection, it’s time for another. Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your system running smoothly.
- New home, new furnace: If you’ve moved into a new home, a furnace tune up ensures the system is safe and ready for the heating season.
- It’s an older furnace: As furnaces age, components wear down, reducing performance and increasing energy bills. Regular tune-ups help avoid breakdowns and extend its lifespan.
By being proactive with your furnace maintenance, you can prevent unexpected issues and ensure your furnace is energy-efficient, saving you money on utility bills all winter long.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Furnace Maintenance
It’s understandable why some homeowners might consider DIY furnace maintenance to save money or for the convenience of doing it themselves. While simple tasks like changing the furnace filter are fine, more complex jobs like inspecting the heat exchanger, testing the gas valve, or checking for carbon monoxide require a trained HVAC technician.
Without proper knowledge, handling gas lines or electrical components can lead to serious dangers like gas leaks or electrical fires. Additionally, DIY work can void your furnace’s warranty, leaving you unprotected for major repairs. Most warranties require regular professional maintenance to stay valid. For safety and peace of mind, it’s best to leave the job to the experts.
We Make Furnace Maintenance Even Easier With The Heart of Your Home Club
It’s easy to overlook your furnace maintenance, especially when life gets busy. That’s why we created the Heart of Your Home Club—to take the stress out of remembering when your next furnace tune up is due. As a member, we handle the scheduling for you, ensuring your furnace receives the care it needs to run efficiently all year long.
In addition to making maintenance simple, the club offers exclusive benefits like priority emergency service, discounts on repair parts and labor for plumbing and HVAC services, and more. We’ll also service your air conditioning system in the summer! Contact us today to learn more or to sign up and enjoy the convenience of worry-free furnace care.
Schedule Your Furnace Tune Up with Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing
At Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing, we’ve proudly served our local community for decades. Our family-owned and operated company is focused on providing affordable heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and plumbing services for homes and businesses throughout the area.
Don’t wait until the first cold snap hits —schedule your furnace tune up in Murphysboro, IL, today to ensure your furnace is ready to go for winter. And with the added benefits of our HVAC maintenance plan, you’ll be set for both winter and summer, keeping your home comfortable year-round. Call or contact us online to get started!