Your furnace may become dirty due to heavy use, requiring a cleaning mid-season, which you can likely do yourself – but if you're not comfortable, always call your technician for help.
The cost of furnace cleaning can vary depending on several factors, but on average, it ranges from $60 to $400. While this might seem like a wide range, the final price will depend on things like the size of the furnace, its condition, and the specific services included in the cleaning.
The biggest reason to never try and fix your furnace yourself is that it can be dangerous, especially if the furnace is gas, which is the most common type. The danger involved in repairing appliances connected to gas mains makes it illegal for anyone without a license to attempt it.
You should plan on an annual whole-furnace cleaning, preferably in fall before the weather turns cold. That way, your furnace will be operating at optimal levels when it's needed most. Your furnace's filter, however, should be replaced or cleaned every few months -- approximately four times a year.
When it comes to the nitty gritty, cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires tools, such as a high-powered vacuum and rotary brushes, that you don't have lying around in the garage. In addition, an improper cleaning job could damage the ducts, resulting in expensive repairs.
Typically, cleaning costs include services like filter replacement, coil cleaning, and inspection of the burner or heat exchanger. Annual furnace cleanings not only improve efficiency, reducing energy bills, but also help prevent breakdowns and extend the system's lifespan.
A furnace inspection costs $100 on average, but prices can range from $50 on the low end to $300 or more. You can save on the cost of furnace inspections by scheduling in the off-season or if you're heating a smaller home, while bigger furnaces and oil furnaces in particular cost more to inspect.
If the company allows their employees to receive tips, it's up to you to decide when and how much you'd like to tip, though cash is the preferred method of most professionals. Since your HVAC technician is providing a much-needed service in your home, it's customary to thank them with an additional tip.
On average, furnace cleaning and tune-up services last just one to two hours. During these appointments, our technicians inspect all interior and exterior furnace components, calibrate thermostats, and inspect and clean furnace venting systems. We also: Inspect heat exchangers for build-ups, blockages, and cracks.
A dirty furnace filter is discolored. It's gray or brown instead of its original white or light color. You'll notice a thick layer of dust, dirt, and debris covering the filter's surface. The filter may look clogged or matted, with visible clumps of dust and hair.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
When you don't maintain your furnace, it doesn't take long for the air filter to become completely clogged with dust, debris and even mold. Once the air filter can no longer keep particles out, your furnace and your ducts become coated with these nasty airborne particles.
A certified technician will carefully examine your furnace, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. This includes inspecting the heat exchanger, burner, ignition system, electrical connections, and thermostat.
Ask twenty professional HVAC contractors the question, “How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?” and you'll probably get the same answer... “It depends.” On average, the cost of a new furnace can range from $2,000 - $14,2001. However, factors like furnace efficiency, type, size, and much more can impact this range.
Your base homeowners policy will cover many types of damage to your furnace. An extra endorsement known as Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) will give you additional coverage for certain types of mechanical or electrical failure.
When you need help with your heating or air conditioning system, call a HVAC technician to inspect, diagnose, and perform any repairs. Let's dig into when and why you should hire a HVAC pro to restore your home to its usual temperature.
One of the most significant benefits of annual cleaning is better furnace efficiency. When the furnace boiler and ducts are cleaned, the furnace will run at better rates and not need to run as long to provide heat for a home. A furnace with better efficiency can save you money in the long run.
Ideally, you would have your furnace serviced at least once a year. To elaborate on that point, you should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any problems early on and to keep your furnace in top condition. Professional maintenance and cleaning provide many benefits, which we'll cover next.
Regular duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality and prevent the buildup of harmful substances in the ducts. Furnace cleaning, on the other hand, refers to the cleaning and maintenance of the furnace itself. This includes tasks such as cleaning the burners, checking the blower motor, and replacing the air filter.
Clean ducts ensure smoother airflow, reducing energy costs. Extended System Life: Regular cleaning minimizes wear and tear on your HVAC system, potentially saving you substantial money on future repairs or the need for early replacement.
If you notice a lot of dust in your house, it's likely due to a combination of factors affecting air quality and ventilation. Dust particles from outside can enter through open windows or doors, while indoor sources like pet dander, dead skin cells, and fibers from textiles contribute to the buildup.
You can service some parts of your air conditioner, such as cleaning or replacing filters, cleaning the condenser coils, and checking the thermostat. However, other tasks, like inspecting and cleaning the evaporator coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting and sealing ductwork are best left to professionals.