Tag Archives: Inspections

Are Annual Furnace Tune Ups Worth the Cost?

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Annual Furnace Tune Ups

It comes highly recommended to have your HVAC equipment checked annually. But is this really necessary? What is done during an annual tune-up that makes it so important?

An annual furnace inspection is the single most effective way to care for your HVAC equipment and prolong its lifespan. Furnace manufacturers recommend annual inspections by a qualified technician, and most have language in their warranties that say that damage caused by not having the proper maintenance won’t be covered.

Also, the older your furnace is, the more important it is to have it looked at. There’s more to go wrong, and it’s usually cheaper and easier to fix an issue if you know about it ahead of time. If you have a brand new furnace, an HVAC service in Gilbert may recommend having it looked at every two years instead of one.

What’s Included with a Tune Up?

When you have a technician service your furnace, it’s a good idea to know what’s being done. Though you would think that all HVAC repair companies in Gilbert deliver the same services, it’s not true. To make things more complicated, there is no industry standard for a furnace tune-up, so companies are left to their own accord as to what to include in their inspection.

At Bruce’s AC, we recommend having the following checked at your annual tune-up:

  • Analyze combustion gases
  • Check blower access door
  • Check fresh air intake grills and louvers
  • Inspect heat exchanger for rust or corrosion
  • Check burners for proper ignition
  • Check drainage system for blockages or leaks
  • Check and clean blower wheel
  • Conduct amp-draw test
  • Check wiring for corrosion or damage
  • Check and replace filters

Why Choose Bruce’s AC for a Furnace Inspection

Bruce’s AC provides detailed, comprehensive tune-ups that will keep your utility costs down and extend the life of your HVAC system. Regular inspections also prevent your furnace from breaking down in the middle of the night.

The year can go by fast, so if you’re not good at scheduling yearly appointments, you might want to consider an ongoing maintenance agreement. Our AC repair company offers pre-scheduled biannual checks for your entire HVAC system – heating and cooling. This means that your HVAC equipment gets steady attention, and you don’t have to do anything!

As you can see, yearly inspections are an important part of keeping your furnace in good condition. Before hiring a company to come out and inspect your furnace, make sure that you do your research and learn about what’s included with the tune-up. Each company is different and will provide different services.

Give Bruce’s AC a call to learn more about our prices on annual inspections. We have been delivering reliable, affordable heating and cooling services since 1972 to residential and commercial customers.

Photo Credit: Chance Agrella

5 Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Modern HVAC systems are built to last a long time – but they won’t last a lifetime. An average system lasts between 10-15 years, but after that, its efficiency starts to decrease. You might notice that your HVAC system needs more attention and frequent repairs.

Below are five tips that will help keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

1. Change the Filter Regularly

The single most effective way to keep your heating and air system running efficiently is to replace the air filter. Fortunately, it’s easy and only needs to be done every 1-3 months. Good quality air filters are available at most home improvement stores, or you can purchase them in bulk online.

Look for a good quality air filter, as not all are created equal. If you’re not sure which air filter to choose, look in your manual (manufacturers recommend certain ones) or get a recommendation from your AC service in Gilbert.

2. Clean Ductwork Grilles and Vents

When you dust and clean the home, make a stop at your ductwork grilles and vents. Give them a quick clean so that you prevent dust and debris from entering the ductwork and affecting the system. For example, many people don’t realize that dust from the return air vents can get into the fan blades, and once accumulated, can cause loud noises and inefficiency.

3. Keep Registers Open and Clear

Another important step to take is to keep registers open and unblocked. We realize that this isn’t always possible, but try to be mindful when arranging rooms.

To run efficiently, heating systems need to be balanced, and having the registers open and free allows this to happen. Blocking or closing off some of the registers can lead to inefficient operations and possibly the formation of mold in some sections of the ductwork.

4. Maintain the Outside Condensing Unit

Every few months, walk outside and make sure there is no debris blocking your outside condensing unit. This is especially important if you live by a lot of trees. Pick up branches, trim back bushes and pull weeds that might be blocking the unit. Also, refrain from storing lawn furniture and kids’ toys near the unit.

5. Schedule Yearly Inspections

Maintenance is an important part of keeping your HVAC system running its best. Check-in your manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. Some newer systems might only need maintenance once every year or two, while older systems might need it twice a year.

Not only does an inspection ensure that your system is looked at by a professional AC service in Chandler but also that it gets thoroughly cleaned. If there are problems, your technician will let you know, and you can fix them on the spot rather than being left without heat or air one day.

Bruce’s AC provides heating and cooling services to residential and commercial customers throughout the greater Phoenix area. If you’d like to learn more about our services and how they can prolong the lifespan of your HVAC equipment, give us a call today.

Photo Credit: FreeImages.com/KarlMooney