Signs You Need A Furnace Tune Up

Living in Phoenix, it’s easy to forget about furnace maintenance. It’s a common mistake since we only get really cold days and nights for a short period of time each year! Annual furnace tune up and preventive maintenance can help keep your furnace working efficiently, and identify small problems before they grow into bigger ones. Don’t wait until you have a problem or a breakdown. Here’s what you need to know to identify the signs of potential furnace problems.

Signs That A Furnace Tune Up May Be In Order

So it’s finally cold enough for you to turn on the heat! Here are some common signs you may need to schedule a furnace tune up.

1. If you’ve changed the settings on your thermostat and the furnace won’t kick on or isn’t heating, it may be time to call a professional to do a furnace tune up on your unit. 
2. The air in your home feels really dry or has a stale or strange smell. If you start to notice these signs, it’s time to schedule a furnace tune up.
3. If you notice a funny odor in your home while your furnace unit is running, there could be a buildup of dust in the unit or in the filters. Remember, changing your filters is important to do at least every 3 months. If you’ve changed the filters, and you still have a stale smell in your house then it may be time to call the pros for a furnace tune up. 

Why Furnace Tune-Ups Are So Important

Don’t wait for something to break before calling a professional. Furnace repairs can be avoided or minimized with regular annual maintenance.

1. Without regular preventive maintenance, your furnace may not be running efficiently, so you’ll be spending more on utility bills than necessary.
2. Poor air quality can make you sick or may cause spikes in allergy or asthma symptoms, especially during the winter months when the house is closed up. Have your ducts cleaned at least every 2-3 years.
3. Make sure to invest in the right filters. While prices vary, so does the filtration quality. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are a great solution. Especially if you have family members with allergies or weak immune systems, HEPA filters can help trap more harmful pollutants and allergens than standard filters.
4. How your air gets heated can tell you about potential sources of toxins and gases. Fuel-burning furnaces use gas and/or oil to heat the air and they can compromise your in-home air quality. Regular inspections and maintenance can identify and correct potential issues before they become hazardous to the health of you and your family.
5. Consider investing in a new type of furnace. Go electric, or install a Geothermal heat pump. Geothermal units, which are installed into the ground, use the earth’s natural heat to warm up your home when necessary. Geothermal Heat Pumps are appropriate for hybrid or split HVAC systems, as they target heating, rather than cooling.

Bottom line? You service your HVAC unit before the summer season arrives to make sure it runs well and efficiently when you need it the most. A fall/winter furnace tune up will help keep your furnace operating at peak performance; extend the life of the unit, and keep you and your family happy, warm, and healthier all winter long.