How Do I Tune Up My Furnace In The Winter?

by | May 1, 2023 | AC Energy Efficiency

As the winter season approaches, keeping your furnace in top shape is critical to ensure your home remains warm and comfortable throughout the chilly months. Performing a furnace tune-up not only guarantees peak performance but also helps avert major repairs and unnecessary energy expenses. While some HVAC maintenance tasks may require the assistance of a professional, many furnace tune-up duties can be done on your own with just a few basic tools and some simple knowledge. In this informative article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to tune-up your furnace in the winter, step-by-step, to keep your home warm and cozy all season long.

1. Understanding the Importance of Furnace Maintenance in Winter

Furnace maintenance is an essential aspect of keeping your home comfortable, especially during the winter season. A well-maintained furnace will not only ensure that your space remains warm and cozy, but it can also help you save on your energy bills. It is always advisable to schedule a furnace tune-up before the winter season begins to ensure that it is functioning efficiently and safely.

Most homeowners tend to overlook furnace maintenance, and this can lead to several issues such as higher energy bills, breakdowns, and even health risks. A poorly maintained furnace may emit carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can be fatal to humans and animals. In addition, a dirty and clogged furnace can lead to poor indoor air quality, which can cause respiratory problems, aggravate allergies, and even trigger asthma attacks.

It’s essential to understand the critical role that furnace maintenance plays in keeping your home safe and comfortable during the winter. In the next sections, we will cover a step by step guide to DIY furnace tune-up, essential tools you need, common furnace problems and their solutions, and why professional furnace maintenance is necessary before winter.

2. Step by Step Guide to DIY Furnace Tune-Up

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a DIY furnace tune-up to ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and effectively throughout the winter months.

Step 1: Turn off Power to the Furnace

Before you start with the tune-up process, you need to turn off the power to the furnace. This can be done by turning off the switch located on the furnace or by switching off the breaker in your electrical panel.

Step 2: Replace the Air Filter

The air filter in your furnace should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on how frequently it runs. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, resulting in higher energy bills. To replace the air filter, locate the filter in your furnace, remove it, and replace it with a new one.

Step 3: Check and Clean the Blower Motor and Fan

The blower motor and fan are responsible for pushing warm air through your home. Over time, they can become dirty and clogged with dust and debris, reducing their efficiency. Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the blower motor and fan of any debris.

Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Burners

Dirty burners can cause your furnace to emit harmful carbon monoxide gas, which can be dangerous. Inspect and clean the burners, using a strong vacuum to remove any debris.

Step 5: Check the Thermostat

Finally, check your thermostat to ensure that it is properly calibrated and working correctly. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that it is set to the correct temperature and schedule for your needs.

Performing a DIY furnace tune-up can help improve the efficiency and lifespan of your furnace. However, if you encounter any issues or are unsure about any aspect of the tune-up process, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to ensure that everything is working correctly.

3. Essential Tools You Need to Tune-Up Your Furnace

How Do I Tune-Up My Furnace In The Winter?

Before you start tuning up your furnace, it is important to have the right tools. Having the right tools on hand can make the process easier and ensure that you can perform the tune-up safely.

Here are some essential tools that you should have when tuning up your furnace:

  • Screwdrivers: You will need both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers of different sizes to remove the cover of your furnace and to access the various components that need to be inspected and cleaned.
  • Pliers: You will need pliers to remove wires connecting the furnace components and to straighten the fins on the blower if they are bent.
  • Socket wrenches: You may also need a socket wrench set to loosen nuts that secure the furnace components, such as the burners or draft hood.
  • Vacuum cleaner: You will need a powerful vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to clean the furnace components, such as the blower assembly, burners, and heat exchanger.
  • Lubricant: You may also need a lubricant, such as WD-40, to lubricate the furnace components, such as the blower motor and bearings, to ensure smooth operation.

By having these tools on hand, you can be confident that you are fully prepared to perform a thorough tune-up of your furnace. Remember to always turn off the power supply to your furnace before starting the tune-up process to avoid accidents.

Once you have all the necessary tools, you can proceed to the next step, which is carrying out a thorough inspection of your furnace to identify any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

4. Common Furnace Problems and Their Solutions

One of the things that could happen to your furnace is that it may not heat your home efficiently, or in some cases, it may not start at all. Other common problems include a strange noise coming from the furnace, a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty filters, and air leaks. It is important to know the common issues that affect your furnace, so you can troubleshoot and try to fix them on your own.

1. Dirty Filters
Your furnace may not work efficiently if it has dirty filters. When filters are clogged with dirt, they block the airflow and limit the amount of heat that reaches your home. It is recommended that you clean or replace the filters every three months to prevent this issue.

2. Air Leaks
Air leaks can happen when there are cracks or gaps in your home’s doors and windows, and hot air escapes from your home. This problem can be solved by sealing the gaps and cracks using caulking or weather-stripping.

3. Malfunctioning Thermostat
This is a common issue that you can diagnose by checking if the thermostat is clean and level. If it is still not working, you may have to reset it by turning off the power to the furnace. If none of these solutions work, it is best to call in a professional HVAC technician.

Remember, a well-maintained furnace will not only work efficiently but also last longer. Even though some issues can be fixed with a few simple solutions, it is best to have an HVAC professional look at your furnace for a complete diagnosis.

5. Why Professional Furnace Maintenance is Necessary before Winter

Professional furnace maintenance before winter is important to ensure that your furnace is running smoothly. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your heating system. A professional HVAC technician can perform a thorough inspection of your furnace to identify potential problems and fix them before they become major issues.

During a professional furnace maintenance appointment, your HVAC technician will do a series of checks on your furnace. Firstly, they will examine the entire furnace to look for signs of any wear and tear or damage. They will then check and clean the burner assembly, ignition system, and the heat exchanger. In addition, they will change the air filter, clean the blower motor, and check the thermostat.

One of the primary benefits of professional furnace maintenance is that it can help to prevent breakdowns during the winter season. It is essential to ensure that your furnace is in good working order before the temperature drops. The last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working in the middle of a cold snap. Regular maintenance can prevent this from happening.

Another benefit of professional furnace maintenance is it can improve the air quality in your home. Dust, dirt, and other pollutants can accumulate in your furnace, and if left unchecked, it can circulate throughout your home, affecting your indoor air quality. Regular maintenance, including cleaning, can remove the buildup of pollutants and improve the overall air quality in your home.

In conclusion, professional furnace maintenance before winter is vital to ensure that your furnace is in good working order. Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and improve the air quality in your home. A professional HVAC technician can do a thorough inspection to identify potential issues and fix them before they become problems.

People Also Ask

1. How often should I tune up my furnace?

It is recommended to tune up your furnace at least once a year, preferably before the winter season. Regular maintenance improves the efficiency and functionality of your furnace, and reduces the risk of breakdowns.

2. What does a furnace tune-up include?

A furnace tune-up includes inspecting and cleaning the furnace components, like the air filter, heat exchanger, blower fan, burners, and thermostat. The technician also checks the system’s electrical connections, lubricates moving parts, tests the safety controls, and measures the airflow, temperature, and gas pressure.

3. How much does a furnace tune-up cost?

The cost of a furnace tune-up varies depending on the location, the company, and the scope of the service. On average, a basic tune-up can cost around $100-$150, while a more comprehensive check-up can range from $200-$500.

4. Can I tune up my furnace on my own?

It is possible to perform some minor maintenance tasks on your furnace, like replacing the air filter or cleaning the exterior, but it is not recommended to perform a full tune-up on your own, as it involves working with gas, electricity, and complex parts.

5. What are the benefits of a furnace tune-up?

A furnace tune-up can have several benefits, such as reducing your energy bills, improving your indoor air quality, prolonging the life of your furnace, ensuring your safety, and avoiding costly repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

Tuning up your furnace in the winter is essential to keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient. By hiring a professional to inspect and maintain your furnace, you can prevent breakdowns, increase its longevity, and save money in the long run. Remember to schedule a tune-up appointment before the cold season starts, and keep up with regular maintenance throughout the year.