What a furnace service includes
Servicing for all types of furnaces may include, but is not limited to:
- Check operation of safety limit controls
- Check temperature set points
- Check operation of thermostat
- Lubricate blower and motor bearings as required
- Clean and inspect blower assembly
- Check blower speed and operation
- Check pressure switches and vent blower (if applicable)
- Inspect burners and clean if required
- Examine vent connector and inspect entire venting system and termination
- Check and adjust pilot light (if applicable)
- Check flame rectification
- Measure stack (flue) temperature
- Check gas piping to furnace
- Clean air filters and re-install
- Show you how to maintain your filter
- Check and adjust manifold gas pressure
- Clock appliance to verify correct input
- Confirm combustion and ventilation air is adequate
- Check for elevated carbon monoxide levels
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Check temperature difference between supply and return plenum
- Clean equipment interior and exterior
Why annual furnace maintenance pays off
Lower gas bills
Clean burners, a clean blower and correct gas pressure mean more of the gas you buy becomes heat, rather than going up the vent.
Fewer breakdowns
Worn igniters, weak capacitors and dirty flame sensors show up during a tune-up, so they can be dealt with before they need a repair or fail on a cold night.
Safety
We inspect the heat exchanger and venting and test for carbon monoxide, the problems you can't see or smell yourself.
Warranty and longer life
Many manufacturers require proof of regular professional maintenance to honour their warranty, and a well-kept furnace simply lasts longer.
When to book your furnace tune-up
Early fall is ideal: September or October, before the first cold snap. That way any problem we find can be fixed before you depend on the heat, and you avoid the rush of no-heat calls that comes with the first frosty week of the season. That said, a furnace that's never been serviced, or hasn't been in a few years, is worth booking any time of year.
If you're buying a home in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, a furnace service and safety inspection is also a smart step right after you move in. You'll know the condition of the furnace, how old it really is, and whether you should budget for a replacement.
Between visits: your furnace filter
The single most useful thing you can do yourself is keep the filter clean. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which makes the furnace work harder, raises your bills, and can cause it to overheat and shut itself off. Check standard 1-inch filters monthly during the heating season and replace them every one to three months. Thicker media filters last longer. During your service, we'll show you where your filter is and how to change it.
