Inspecting the air filter is the first item on our furnace maintenance checklist because it is so critical to performance. Regular air filter replacement is essential, whether your furnace is electric or burns natural gas, propane, or oil.
How often should my furnace be serviced? Your furnace should be serviced at least once a year, ideally in the fall before the heating season begins. Recommended maintenance includes cleaning the filters, checking the burner and heat exchanger, and inspecting electrical connections.
Some things that an HVAC Technician may look at when inspecting and performing regular maintenance on your furnace include: Checking the safety controls are functioning. Looking at the heat exchanger (which can cause a carbon monoxide leak if damaged) Checking the ventilation system.
If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.
Check and Change Your Clogged Filter
This is a simple but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also happens to be the easiest maintenance chore.
1. Thermostat Isn't Working. One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running.
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.
The furnace repair costs in the Southern California area vary according to the repair needed. It can range anywhere from $100 to $200 to as high as $2,000-$3,000. We know that's a wide range of furnace repair pricing.
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.
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.
Why Choose a Comprehensive HVAC Tune-Up? While inspections might catch problems, regularly scheduled comprehensive tune-ups go a step further. Tune-ups prevent potential issues by keeping your equipment in good working condition and if issues are found, addressing them right away.
Preventive Maintenance Checklist for Your HVAC System
Replace all of your unit's filters. Check the outside unit, clear any debris, and ensure the cabinet door is closed. Check the cabinet for leaks. To ensure proper airflow, clear any clogs in the drain lines.
A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.
There is one task of furnace maintenance that anyone can -- and should -- do, however, and that's replacing the filter. Your furnace filter traps dust, dirt, allergens and more so that it doesn't impede the ability of the furnace's systems to function.
The average cost of an HVAC service call is about $100 to $250, depending on the problem. The total hourly rate for an HVAC technician ranges from $65 to $150+ per hour, with additional parts costing anywhere from $40 to over $1000.
It's important to note that a seasonal HVAC tune-up is very different from preventative maintenance. The biggest indicator of the difference is that your seasonal tune-up will be performed by a professional. You should be having your seasonal tune-ups in the early spring and early fall.
Out West, Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician based in Nevada City, California, says a standard furnace tune-up cost typically falls between $70 and $150.
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.
In simple terms, it's a small pipe or tubing that serves to remove condensation produced by your furnace during operation. As your furnace burns fuel to generate heat, it also produces water vapour as a byproduct. This vapour needs to be safely removed from the system to prevent damage and maintain efficiency.
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.