A yearly furnace tune-up keeps your system safe, efficient and reliable through a Toronto winter. GTA Home Comfort is a local HVAC business based in Scarborough, maintaining furnaces across Scarborough, Toronto, East York, North York, Markham, Pickering and Ajax.
The best time is early fall, before the furnace runs every day. But a tune-up is worth doing any time it has been more than a year.
What a furnace tune-up includes
- Inspect and clean the burners and flame sensor
- Check the igniter, gas valve and gas pressure
- Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion
- Test safety controls, limit switches and the pressure switch
- Check venting, intake and exhaust for blockages
- Clear and test the condensate drain on high-efficiency furnaces
- Inspect the blower, motor and belt, and check electrical connections
- Check the filter and the thermostat
- Measure temperature rise and confirm the furnace is running as designed
Why annual maintenance matters
A clean, well-adjusted furnace uses less gas and puts less strain on its parts, so it lasts longer. Most importantly, a tune-up checks the components that keep carbon monoxide out of your home.
Many furnace manufacturers also require regular professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid, so keep your service records.
Between visits
Change or clean your filter every one to three months during heating season, keep the area around the furnace clear, and after heavy snow make sure the outdoor intake and exhaust pipes are not blocked. Test your carbon monoxide alarms when you change the clocks.