It’s back to school for kids here in Western PA and the checklists are many! From getting new school clothes and shoes to packing all the binders, pencils and notebooks to charging all the devices. We thought we’d create a checklist of our own, but instead of back to school, it’s back to the furnace and a little bit of FALL planning.
You’ve been running your air a lot this summer (we all have) it’s been a hot one! And it’s hard to imagine cooler days are around the corner, but they’ll be here before we know it and getting your furnace a tune up before it needs to jump into action is the first thing on our checklist for a safe and warm season.
Furnace Tune Up Checklist
For our customers with a gas furnace, our techs will check filters; look for any gas leaks; check ignition components; clean the burners, pilot and flame sensor; check the heat exchanger and flue and all safety controls; adjust the gas pressure; and check for any levels of carbon monoxide.
For our customers with an oil furnace, our techs will check filters; replace nozzles and oil filters; check ignition components; check and clean the heat exchanger; check the flue and all safety controls; adjust combustion; and check for any levels of carbon monoxide.
As a homeowner, you can do your own part by simply thinking FALL.
F is for Filters. Check your filters. Depending on your system, you might be able to remove them and clean and/or replace them yourself. Filters typically last 1-3 months and you can always order replacements right from our site with free shipping. The Shafer’s team is always here if you need a professional service call.
A is for Arrange. Go down where your furnace is and arrange the area. Ensure no items are close to your furnace, like boxes or chemicals, and make sure there is a clear access path if you (or we) need to get to your equipment.
L is for Look. Look at your thermostat, your vents and registers, and your carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure batteries are fresh and vents are clean.
L is for Listening. Listen for any weird sounds as the season goes on. Banging, squealing, a boom. These are all signs that something might be wrong with your furnace, so give us a call and we can come out to diagnose the problem.
Is a Furnace Tune Up Worth It?
Even if you feel like your furnace is in good working order, you can’t see all the potential issues inside that could cause a major breakdown.
A tune up catches small issues before they are big ones; helps with efficiency and gives your system a longer lifespan; saves you money on energy bills; and it’s smart. Many manufacturers require a tune up to keep warranties valid. It’s a good idea to check on your specific requirements.
It’s back to the furnace and time to FALL into the cooler season. Here at Shafer’s, we are scheduling furnace tune ups this month, so contact us anytime and we will get you on the schedule.
