Scheduling an annual heating system tuneup is important for maximizing energy efficiency, providing healthy indoor air quality and for increasing the performance and lifespan of your furnace or heat pump. By scheduling service now, you can avoid the winter rush, and rest easier knowing your heating system is ready for the cold season ahead.
Furnace tuneup
When you schedule a heating system tuneup for you furnace, your HVAC professional checks the following components:
- Connections of the vent pipe and chimney are checked for deterioration.
- Your heat exchanger is inspected for cracks. A cracked heat exchanger can leak dangerous gases into the air, and must be replaced or repaired.
- Pilot light operation is evaluated. The pilot should burn a sharp blue color. A yellow pilot light indicates grime and dirt accumulation.
- Oil shaft bearings are inspected.
- The blower motor is balanced if needed.
These are just a few of the components your HVAC pro will check to diagnose furnace and venting issues, and provide details for repair or replacement of parts. Your tech can also help calculate lifetime costs of replacing the entire system if necessary.
Heat pump tuneup
During a heating system tuneup, your HVAC pro checks three primary components for efficient heat pump operation:
- Refrigerant charge: Correct refrigerant levels can help heat pumps reach up to 300 percent efficiency. Precise levels mean optimal heat exchange, as heat is pulled from outdoor air to warm the inside of your home.
- Airflow: Free airflow across the heat exchanger coils is required to assist refrigerant heat exchange. The coils must be chemically deep-cleaned by your HVAC pro. The blowers and outdoor unit are cleaned, and obstructions like weeds, debris and leaves are removed from the outdoor unit. Air-supply registers are checked for common obstructions like furniture. Your air filter is cleaned or changed as needed.
- Duct efficiency: A duct system inspection is needed to reveal any leaks, damage or loose connections. A leaky duct system reduces home comfort and increases energy consumption significantly.
If you’re overdue for a heating system tuneup, contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning & Heating today. We provide exceptional service, repair and installation for homeowners in the greater Los Angeles area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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