What to Look for in a Furnace Tune‑Up in Oregon

Annual furnace tune-ups help keep your heating system in top shape, ensuring your home remains warm and comfortable throughout Oregon’s coldest months. Not all companies include the same system checks and services in their annual maintenance plans, so it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you get the best value for your money.

In this article, we highlight the services you should expect in a comprehensive tune-up, including:

• Review of system operation and thermostat controls
• Air filter check and airflow evaluation
• Burner and ignition inspection/cleaning
• Flame quality and combustion safety checks
• Heat exchanger and venting inspection
• Blower, belt, and motor inspection
• Electrical connections, capacitors, and safety switches testing
• Gas pressure and leak checks
• Temperature rise and performance measurements
• Documentation of findings and prioritized recommendations

Read on to learn how these services help you keep your HVAC system running reliably.

Key Takeaways:

• An annual tune-up ensures your furnace works safely and reliably.
• Technicians should thoroughly inspect and clean the furnace’s components.
• A comprehensive tune-up includes safety checks.
• At the end of the visit, the technician should provide a detailed summary of the services provided.
• Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning conducts a 21-point tune-up, which may add years to the lifespan of your equipment.

Get a Checklist-Driven Furnace Tune-Up You Can Trust!

Keep your furnace running at peak performance with a furnace tune-up from Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning. Give us a call today for good old-fashioned service and fair and honest pricing.

At Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning, our furnace tune-ups start with a full review of how the heating system operates. This includes confirming a proper start-up sequence, cycle behavior, and shutdown. The technician ensures the thermostat is communicating correctly with the heating system and replaces batteries if necessary. They also identify any unusual noises, odors, or operational delays, helping prevent common furnace problems.

The air filter catches dust and debris, keeping the furnace’s internal components clean. During the inspection, the technician notes the filter’s condition and confirms it's the correct type and size for the unit. They ensure air flows through the return and supply vents freely and identify airflow concerns that may contribute to uneven heating.

Next, the technician inspects the burners, checking for dust buildup, corrosion, or incorrect alignment. They clean the hot-surface ignitor or spark ignition, depending on the system type, and verify that the ignition and burner operate as expected.

After checking the burner and ignition, the technician inspects the flame to ensure it is stable and consistent, paying attention to any signs of combustion issues. This is essential for gas furnace tune-ups, as air-supply matters can quickly escalate into a safety concern.

Next, the technician inspects the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion and verifies that it’s operating correctly. They verify that the furnace's exhaust is vented properly and that there are no blockages in the flue.

Proper functioning of the blower, belt, and motor is essential for efficient and reliable performance. The technician inspects the blower wheel and housing, then removes buildup to maximize airflow. They make sure the motor runs smoothly without bearing or noise issues. In belt-driven systems, the technician inspects the belt’s condition and ensures the tension is correct.

The next step the technician takes is to inspect the wiring and electrical connections, ensuring they are secure and free of corrosion. They test any safety switches or controls and identify worn components that could compromise the system’s reliability and efficiency.

The technician ensures the gas pressure is within the manufacturer’s specifications and confirms that the overall fuel delivery system is functioning as expected. They also test for gas leaks.

Next, the technician measures the temperature rise and overall system performance to ensure it’s operating within the expected range. They make sure the heating output is adequate and evaluate how it may contribute to common complaints, such as weak heat or long run times.

Finally, the technician provides a comprehensive summary of the services they performed and any potential issues they noted. This includes safety-related concerns, necessary or anticipated repairs, and improvements that could maximize comfort and efficiency. This helps you know whether you should prepare for any repairs or replacements.

At Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning, our NATE-certified technicians deliver comprehensive 21-point furnace tune-ups, giving you peace of mind all winter long. Contact us today to schedule your 2-hour appointment window.