Even though Tucson winters are mild compared to northern states, your furnace still needs annual maintenance. A neglected furnace is less efficient, more likely to break down when you need it most, and could even pose safety risks. Here is a comprehensive maintenance checklist that covers both what you can do yourself and what requires a professional.
DIY Tasks You Can Handle
Start with these straightforward tasks that any homeowner can perform. Replace the air filter. This is the most important maintenance task and should be done at the start of the heating season and checked monthly thereafter. Inspect the area around your furnace and make sure nothing is stored within three feet of the unit, especially flammable materials. Test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Every home with a gas furnace should have CO detectors on every level. Check all vents and registers in your home to make sure they are open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs.
Thermostat Check
Set your thermostat to heat mode and raise the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature. The furnace should kick on within a minute or two. Listen for the normal startup sequence: the inducer motor starts first, then you should hear the igniter click or glow, followed by the burner lighting and the blower fan starting. If any step in this sequence seems off, note what you hear and share that information when you call for service.
Professional Maintenance Tasks
These tasks require a trained HVAC technician and should be performed annually, ideally in October or November before the heating season begins.
The heat exchanger inspection is the most critical item on this list. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. A professional technician will visually inspect the heat exchanger and may use a combustion analyzer to check for leaks. This single inspection can save lives.
Burner cleaning and inspection ensures even, efficient flames. Dirty or corroded burners produce uneven flames, waste fuel, and can create carbon monoxide. The technician will clean the burners and verify proper flame color and pattern.
The flame sensor is a small rod that detects whether the burner is lit. Over time, it develops a coating that prevents it from working correctly, causing the furnace to shut down as a safety precaution. Cleaning the flame sensor is a quick task that prevents one of the most common furnace failures.
Electrical connections are inspected and tightened. Loose connections can cause intermittent operation or component failure. The blower motor and its components are inspected, lubricated if needed, and tested for proper operation. The condensate drain on high-efficiency furnaces is checked and cleared to prevent water backup and system shutdown. Gas connections are inspected for leaks using electronic detection equipment.
How Often Should You Schedule Professional Maintenance?
Once per year is the standard recommendation for furnace maintenance. In Tucson, where the heating season is shorter than in colder climates, annual service is usually sufficient. Schedule it in the fall so your system is ready when the first cold night arrives.
The Cost of Furnace Maintenance
Professional furnace maintenance in Tucson typically costs between $80 and $180, depending on the company and the scope of the inspection. This modest investment can prevent repairs costing $500 or more and extend the life of your furnace by several years.
Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance Today
ABC Water & Air provides thorough, professional furnace maintenance throughout the Tucson area, including Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, and Vail. Our technicians are trained on all major brands. Call (520) 812-1597 to schedule your annual tune-up.