Schedule Your Annual Furnace Inspection Now

Book your furnace inspection in early fall, before the first hard freeze. A yearly checkup keeps the system safe, helps it run as designed, and turns up worn parts while there is still time to deal with them on your schedule instead of in the middle of a January night.

A furnace burns fuel and moves air through your whole house, so it deserves the same routine attention you give to your car.

Why a furnace needs regular attention

Furnaces sit idle for months, then are expected to run around the clock in the coldest weather. Dust settles on burners and sensors during the summer, and Tri-Cities homes collect plenty of it. Belts, bearings, igniters and motors wear quietly with use.

Safety is the biggest reason of all. A furnace with a cracked heat exchanger or a blocked flue can release carbon monoxide into the house, and that is not something you can see or smell. A technician has the tools and training to check for it. You should also have working carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home.

What a good inspection covers

Exact steps vary by equipment, but a thorough visit generally includes these items:

• Visual inspection of the heat exchanger, burners and flue for damage, corrosion or blockage.
• Testing the ignition system, flame sensor and safety switches.
• Checking gas connections and pressure with the proper instruments.
• Cleaning what needs cleaning, such as burners and the flame sensor.
• Inspecting the blower motor, wheel and filter, and testing airflow.
• Checking the thermostat and its calibration.
• Confirming the condensate drain is clear on high-efficiency models.

You should come away with a clear report of what was checked, what was found and what, if anything, is worth watching over the next season.

Can you tune up a furnace yourself?

Some tasks are yours. Replace the filter on schedule, since a 1 inch filter typically needs changing every one to three months. Keep the area around the furnace clear, make sure supply registers and return grilles are not blocked by furniture or rugs, and test your carbon monoxide detectors.

Everything involving gas, burners, wiring or the heat exchanger belongs to a licensed technician. Working on those parts without training can create a hazard, and an incorrect adjustment can hurt performance or safety. A do-it-yourself tune-up can also miss the very faults that a trained eye is looking for.

Why early fall is best

Once the first cold snap arrives, every heating company gets busy at the same time. Booking in September or early October means easier scheduling, and if a part needs to be ordered, there is time for it to arrive. A furnace that has just been checked also starts the season with the best chance of running smoothly.

It also helps to write down what the technician tells you. Note the date, the filter size and anything flagged for watching, and keep it near the furnace. Next year's visit goes faster when there is a record, and you will notice quickly if a problem reported last season has returned.

Finally, pay attention between visits. A new smell when the burners light, a furnace that takes longer to warm the house, or noises you have not heard before are all good reasons to call before the annual visit rather than after.

Make it a habit

The easiest way to keep up with maintenance is a plan that schedules it for you. Air-Tech's AT Advantage Program includes two visits a year, so your equipment is looked at twice a year instead of only when something breaks.

To set up an inspection, call the Air-Tech office in Pasco at (509) 392-2021, Monday to Friday, 8 to 5. If your furnace stops on a cold night, their 24-hour emergency service is there too.