Getting A Gas Furnace Tuned Up: Why It Is Necessary
Have you noticed that your heating costs are more expensive than they used to be? Your gas furnace may be running in an inefficient manner because it is time for you to hire a professional contractor to come and give it a tune-up. Find out in this article what you should know about the importance of making sure a furnace has an occasional tune-up.
Why Does a Gas Furnace Need to Be Tuned Up?
You should invest in a furnace tune-up at least every two years because failing to do so can lead to important parts not functioning as well as they should. For instance, the gas valve on the furnace is one of the parts that is necessary for the furnace to work. If rust or dirt accumulates on the gas valve in large amounts, it can stop being able to be adjusted. If you can't adjust the gas valve, you can end up with a heating inefficiency due to little to no gas being sent to the furnace burner. The furnace burner is where the gas is joined with fire to keep a flame going in the pilot when you are trying to warm your house up.
What Can a Contractor Do During a Gas Furnace Tune-Up?
The specific tasks performed during a furnace tune-up can vary based on who is hired for the job. However, one of the common things that will be done is giving parts like the pilot orifice, burner, gas valve and other major parts a thorough cleaning. The contractor will also check the gas line to the furnace to make sure there are no leaks. The contractor will also make sure that the pilot flame is completing combustion during the tune-up, as incomplete combustion can lead to the air in your house being circulating with carbon monoxide (toxic gas). The furnace filter will be cleaned or replaced, and the contractor may also inspect the thermostat to make sure it is fully functional.
What Does a Professional Gas Furnace Tune-Up Cost?
You should expect to pay a professional contractor at least $70 to give your furnace a tune-up. However, a complicated task can cost over $200, such as if the contractor has a hard time accessing the furnace. The extent of work involved will play a major role in the overall price that you are charged. Speak to a professional contractor as soon as possible to get your furnace tuned up for better efficiency!
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