Sept. 25 is National Tune-Up Day, a reminder that you should have your HVAC system, particularly your furnace, maintained before the winter heating season.

Why do I need a tune-up?

Your system should get a thorough once over before it’s turned on for the winter. Regular maintenance saves you time and money, because a poorly maintained system can cost you up to 30% more on your winter heating bill. Every year that maintenance and cleaning is skipped, your energy bill can increase by 5 to 10%. Additionally, when your system is not well-maintained, your furnace works harder to keep your home warm, mechanically straining the unit and causing it to need repair or replacement before its time.

Not maintaining your furnace can also be dangerous – a blocked flue or exhaust vent could potentially expose you to carbon monoxide. The Centers for Disease Control recommend a combination of annual tune-ups and carbon monoxide detectors to avoid accidental exposure.

Finally, having a tune-up before the cold weather settles in allows you to schedule maintenance when it’s convenient for you, instead of when your heating unit malfunctions. During the winter’s first cold snap, many poorly maintained HVAC systems fail, and, depending on the availability of parts, number of jobs and severity of your repair, you may face several days without central heat before a repair can be made.

Don’t be left out in the cold – call us at 1-540-874-2156 to schedule your tune-up today.

What does a tune-up include?

A tune up can take up to an hour and should include inspection of the system and cleaning of filters and coils and service, which can include testing fuel pressure, airflow, thermostat controls and pilot lights. During the inspection, a HVAC technician will examine the heating system for signs of wear-and-tear, such as cracks; look at the motor and compressor; and ensure that all parts are in good shape. Once the system has been properly cleaned, a technician will replace any worn-out parts, such as fan blades or capacitors and, in some cases, lubricate parts and change air filters if needed. The technician will look for anything that will potentially cause a system to breakdown or cause extensive damage if left unchecked.

Don’t wait – our technicians are ready to give your HVAC system the annual tune-up it needs – call 1-540-874-2156

How much will it cost?

Most tune ups will cost between $50 and $200, depending on whether services include both the heating and cooling systems, the size of the home and the age of the system.

However, once a HVAC system breaks down, it may cost several thousand dollars to repair. The HomeServe State of the Home survey reported more than one-third of homeowners have $500 or less set aside for an emergency repair and 50 percent required a HVAC system replacement or repair in the past two years. A tune up can prevent these expensive problems – and can be scheduled at a convenient time. When technicians must come out on an emergency after-hours call, the price increases.

Take advantage of our low tune-up prices, call 1-540-874-2156.

Why should a licensed technician perform a tune-up?

Homeowners should always hire a licensed HVAC technician to perform a tune-up. It isn’t just about cost and convenience, it’s also about safety.

The technician will also check and tighten any electrical connections to ensure none are faulty and a potential fire hazard. Faulty electrical connections can short out the system and reduce its lifespan. Technicians will examine gas and oil connections, making sure they are in good working order. Dirty or leaking gas or oil connections don’t only hurt energy efficiency but are a major health hazard.

Don’t try this at home! Call us to schedule your annual tune-up today.