What Is a Heating System Tune-Up? Here's Your Professional Checklist

August 31, 2021

Winter in New Jersey can be unforgiving, causing many homeowners to ask us, “What is a heating system tune-up?” A tune-up involves comprehensive inspection and maintenance steps that ensure your heating system runs efficiently and safely.

At A.J. Perri, we recommend our “Trustworthy Tune-Up” to all homeowners in the New Jersey area before the cold sets in to help cut down on expensive repairs and keep your home warm throughout the season. By following our heating tune-up checklist, you can boost your system’s efficiency, lower energy bills, and extend its lifespan.

Ready to prepare your system for winter? Our helpful guide covers all the important steps in our heating tune-up checklist. Prefer professional maintenance? Call 732-733-2541 or schedule your service online.

What Is a Heating System Tune-Up?

A heating system tune-up is a preventive maintenance service that keeps your heating unit running efficiently and safely throughout the colder months. 

A tune-up helps improve your system’s performance, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and extend its lifespan by thoroughly inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting key components. It’s a proactive approach that ensures your heating system is ready to handle the demands of winter, helping you avoid unexpected and costly repairs.

What Does a Heating Tune-Up Include?

We have reviewed hundreds of heating repair calls over the years. We discovered that over 50% of these calls could have been avoided with regular maintenance. That’s why we developed our thorough 21-step Trustworthy Tune-up for heating systems, designed to keep your heating system in top shape while helping you avoid costly repairs.

Unlike many other HVAC companies, our tune-up is thorough, covering every essential component of your heating system. This professional inspection and cleaning takes about an hour and significantly increases your system’s efficiency, saving you money in the long run.

Our Heating Tune-Up Checklist 

1. Combustion Analysis: We measure the fuel combustion efficiency, ensuring your system is burning fuel cleanly and safely.

2. Heat Exchanger Inspection: A thorough visual and camera inspection (if accessible) to detect cracks, corrosion, or other damage that could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

3. Combustible Material Check: We ensure there’s no flammable debris or material around the furnace that could pose a fire risk.

4. Ignition System Test: We examine the ignition components to make sure they ignite properly and consistently, reducing the risk of furnace startup issues.

5. Airflow Duct System Check: We inspect the ductwork for potential carbon monoxide leaks and airflow obstructions, keeping your indoor air safe.

6. Exhaust System Test: We verify that the system vents exhaust gases correctly, preventing harmful buildup inside your home.

7. Temperature Difference Measurement: We assess the temperature difference between the supply and return air, indicating how effectively your system heats your home.

8. Safety and Control Circuit Test: We examine safety circuits and controls to ensure they function correctly and protect the system from potential failures.

9. Filter Inspection and Replacement: We check the air filter and replace the standard 1-inch filter as needed to improve airflow and indoor air quality.

10. Fan Belt Tension Inspection and Adjustment: We inspect the fan belt for wear and adjust its tension to optimize the blower’s performance.

11. Blower Motor Lubrication and Vent Cleaning: We lubricate the blower motor bearings and clean air vents for smooth, efficient operation.

12. Burner Cleaning and Inspection: We vacuum the burners to remove buildup and ensure efficient fuel combustion, reducing energy waste.

13. Condensate Drain Line Check: We examine the condensate line for blockages, which, if left untreated, can cause water damage or mold growth.

14. Thermocouple Testing and Cleaning: We clean and test the thermocouple, a crucial safety device that helps regulate the furnace’s pilot light.

15. Pilot Burner Inspection: We inspect the pilot burner to ensure it ignites correctly and maintains a stable flame.

16. Lubrication of Moving Parts: We follow manufacturer guidelines to lubricate all moving parts, reducing friction and wear for a longer-lasting system.

17. Blower Amperage and Voltage Measurement: We measure the blower motor’s electrical draw to identify any signs of electrical strain or malfunction.

18. Electrical Wiring Tightening and Inspection: We check all electrical connections, tighten loose wires, and inspect for potential hazards.

19. Thermostat Calibration and Leveling: We test and adjust the thermostat to ensure it reads temperatures accurately, providing better comfort control.

20. Natural Gas Leak Test: We perform a gas leak test around the furnace to ensure your home remains safe from hazardous leaks.

21. Furnace Exterior Cleaning: We clean the exterior of the furnace, removing dust and debris to maintain a tidy and efficient system.

For a comprehensive and professional tune-up that ensures your heating system is ready for winter, contact A.J. Perri at 732-733-2541. Want to learn how to maintain your HVAC system in all seasons? Check out our ultimate inspection checklist for every season! 

Do I Really Need a Furnace Tune-Up?

Absolutely! Annual furnace tune-ups are highly recommended, especially for New Jersey homeowners. Here’s why an HVAC tune-up is worth it:

• Extends System Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps your furnace last longer, delaying the need for a replacement.

• Improves Efficiency and Reduces Energy Bills: A clean, well-tuned system uses less energy, which can lower your heating bills and carbon footprint.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, improper installations and lack of regular maintenance can result in up to 30% more energy usage.

• Avoid Extensive Repairs and Reduce Risk of Breakdowns: Routine checks catch issues early, preventing costly emergency repairs. For instance, a small leak or clogged filter can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

• Enhanced Safety: Inspections help identify potential fire hazards and detect carbon monoxide leaks, protecting your family’s safety.

• Saves Money: Preventive care reduces repair costs and boosts system performance.

• Prepares for Cold Winters: A reliable furnace is essential during harsh New Jersey winters to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to clogged filters, dirty burners, loud banging noises, and worn-out components. This reduces efficiency and increases the risk of sudden breakdowns during freezing temperatures when you need your system most.

In New Jersey’s cold climate, reliable heating is a necessity. Regular tune-ups are a smart way to protect your home, your comfort, and your wallet.

Contact the Experts at A.J. Perri

A heating system tune-up offers numerous benefits, from improving efficiency and lowering energy costs to extending the life of your furnace and ensuring your family’s safety. At A.J. Perri, we follow a comprehensive heating tune-up checklist that covers every essential component of your system. With our local expertise and commitment to quality, you can trust your HVAC system is in good hands.

Plus, our tune-up service comes with a money-back guarantee. If your system breaks down the season after our precision tune-up, we’ll refund you 105% of the cost. You wouldn’t drive your car without a regular oil change. Make sure you treat your heating system the same. 

Don’t wait for the cold weather to hit—schedule your professional tune-up today to keep your home comfortable all winter long. Call us at 732-733-2541 for reliable HVAC maintenance services.