A homeowner from Covina, CA, called Pioneers Heating and Air for furnace maintenance. Their furnace had not been serviced in over a year and had been making hissing noises for months. We scheduled them for the long-overdue tune-up and inspected their furnace with a 21-point checklist. Upon inspection, our technician noted that the furnace fan belt had loosened and needed an alignment and tension tightening. After checking that everything worked well, we taught the homeowner the basic maintenance steps they could take on their own to keep their furnace functioning properly.
If you are anything like this homeowner, you probably have not had your furnace unit serviced in a while. Most often, routine upkeep is something many homeowners take for granted. However, it is essential to remember that your furnace needs to be maintained. If you do not, you could endanger yourself at the risk of a fire or other severe issues. Meanwhile, regular tune-ups can prevent breakdowns, saving you money and hassle down the road.
Some of the best practices that HVAC technicians follow include:
Checking the venting system ensures there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. This step necessitates a visual inspection, draft inspection, and combustion analysis.
If any problems are discovered, the technician will likely recommend having the heat exchanger fixed or replaced immediately to avoid potential fire hazards.
The technician will test all safety switches (roll-outs, high limits, and others) on the furnace to ensure that they are all in good working order and will turn the appliance off if it overheats.
The technician should check the ignition and flame on the furnace burners. Almost completely blue flames indicate safe and efficient combustion.
It is essential to check the flame sensor and the ignition component (ignitor, spark, thermocouple, and others) for cleanliness and accurate readings.
The technician will check if there are any bearing noises, amp draw, and blockages on the combustion blower (the device that propels your combustion air outside).
The technician will check the capacitor readings, amp draws, and cleanliness of the main blower. It may also include checking for a broken or faulty blower motor belt, lubrication, or tightening the motor mounts.
Cleanup and inspection of the drainage system are necessary. Only furnaces that are 90% or more efficient will require this procedure.
It is necessary to inspect all wiring for corrosion and the right connections. Loose connections can cause equipment failure or fires.
A temperature rise should be used (and, if necessary, a static pressure test) to measure sufficient airflow.
There are two types of furnace filters: disposable (with cardboard frames) and permanent (with fiberglass or metal framing). The technician will check the filter for any dust or debris that could clog, then clean or change it if needed.
When it is time for your annual furnace maintenance, Pioneers Heating and Air is the trusted company that does the job. We are known for our stellar customer service and fast turnaround time. At Pioneers Heating and Air, we specialize in servicing all your heating and cooling needs, from minor furnace repairs to complete AC installations. Our products are backed by a reliable reputation and tested annually to ensure quality performance. From tune-ups to new systems—let us take care of everything for you. Call us today for more information!