When Is It Time For A Furnace Tune-Up?

Seasonal Maintenance For Your Heater

When the nights get colder and the leaves start to change colors, it’s only a matter of days before you’ll need to turn your furnace on. But before the weather shifts, you may be wondering if you should schedule a furnace tune-up. Maybe you aren’t sure if you even need to schedule heater maintenance in the first place.

Whatever your heater needs may be, Barker’s Heating & Cooling is here to help. As an HVAC and plumbing company in College Station, we have decades of experience performing system tune-ups. If you’re wondering when and why you should schedule furnace maintenance, you’ve come to the right place.

What Is A Heater Tune-Up?

A heater tune-up is a form of preventative maintenance that ensures your unit works as efficiently as possible during the colder months. Furnace maintenance helps locate potential issues before they become more serious. At Barker’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend scheduling a heater tune-up once a year.

When Should I Schedule Furnace Maintenance?

The best time for a furnace tune-up depends on when it gets cold where you live. Here in College Station, you may not turn on your furnace until late November or December. You should schedule a tune-up a couple of weeks to a month before you turn your heater on for the winter season.

What Can I Expect During A Furnace Tune-Up?

Preventative maintenance usually includes a furnace inspection, cleaning and possibly minor repairs. At Barker’s Heating & Cooling, we perform the following tasks at each heater tune-up:

• Change air filter
• Clean the interior and exterior of the unit
• Test for carbon monoxide
• Inspect burner and heat exchanger
• Check gas and flame (for gas heaters)

Typically, this process takes a couple of hours. Following the tune-up, the technician will inform you of your furnace’s condition and may recommend repairs.

What Are The Benefits Of Heater Maintenance?

Scheduling a tune-up is very important if you want your heater to last for many years. Not only does furnace maintenance reduce the chances of system breakdowns, but it can also increase the energy efficiency of your unit. Since the unit is cleaned and the air filter is replaced, your home’s indoor air quality can improve as well.

When Should You Replace Your Heater?

Although maintenance can help your heater last longer, eventually you’ll need to replace the unit. Here are some signs that you should schedule a replacement:

• Unit is over 15 years old
• Unit emits strange noises or odors
• Higher energy bills as the system loses efficiency
• Inefficient heating, like hot and cold spots

If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a replacement, you can always contact an HVAC technician on our team for advice. Although a new furnace is an investment, spending money on frequent repairs can sometimes be the more costly option in the long run.

Stay On Top Of College Station Heater Maintenance!

Any heater maintenance is better than no heater maintenance. So, don’t hesitate to schedule furnace maintenance any time of the year. Contact Barker’s Heating & Cooling to schedule College Station heater maintenance today!