Regular maintenance is an important part of keeping your furnace running efficiently and safely. But how often should you be looking for signs that it needs to be serviced? The answer to that question will vary depending on the type of heating system in your home, as well as the age, size, and usage of your home. There is no set rule for how often you should clean or replace filters, change oil, or test the CO2 levels in your home. Instead, the frequency of maintenance will depend on your specific situation and the type of maintenance your HVAC contractor suggests for your specific unit. Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect from your furnace service technician when it comes to service frequency based on type of unit:

For centralized heating systems, such as geothermal, pellet stoves, or ductless mini split systems, there are no filters to change or oil to replenish. Instead, the technician will test CO2 levels, inspect the system’s components and make sure they are working properly, and check the ductwork for leaks. A service technician should inspect the system’s CO2 levels once a year in most cases. The frequency of CO2 testing will depend on the size of your home, the indoor and outdoor temperatures, and the fuel source. If you use a fuel source that burns cleaner than natural gas, such as propane or fuel oil, your technician may suggest testing CO2 levels more often than once a year.

The best way to check your furnace’s health is to pay attention to the way it runs. If it starts to make a clicking or grinding sound when it is cycling on and off, or if it is blowing out a lot of dust, it may be time for a tune-up. Your technician will check the efficiency of the unit and the amount of fuel it uses by turning off the power and measuring the amount of carbon monoxide released while the unit is running. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is given off when fuel is burned. A reading of 2ppm or more indicates the unit is not running efficiently, and the technician should be notified.If your technician is unable to turn the power off at your home, they can use a hand-held CO sensor to check for a CO reading. However, a CO reading alone should not be used to determine if the unit is functioning properly. A CO reading should always be accompanied by a thermal reading.

Most electric heat only systems do not require filter changes or oil changes. Instead, the technician will check the breaker box for any abnormalities and check the flow of electricity. They may also test the wires in the attic to make sure there are no leaks. To check for an abnormal flow of electricity, they may plug in a continuity tester. A continuity tester is a device that looks for a break in the flow of electricity in a circuit. If the technician finds that a break is in one of the wires, they will need to repair it before the circuit can be turned back on. Once the technician has finished their inspection and repairs, they should test the circuit again to make sure it is working properly. If the technician finds an electrical fault in your home’s circuit, they may need to rewire your home’s electrical system. This is best done before the winter starts, as it may take several weeks to repair the problem. If your technician finds that the circuit breaker has tripped, they will need to reset the breaker before turning the circuit back on.

Unlike electric heat only systems, gas-fired furnaces require regular filter changes and oil changes. Your technician will check the filter’s efficiency by running them through a machine that measures the amount of dirt they trap. They will also check the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. They may also change the oil, if necessary. If you use a gas log, they may want to check the burner to make sure it is working properly. They will also check the pilot light to make sure it is burning. If you have a programmable thermostat, they will program it to operate your heating system more efficiently. They will also adjust the dampers if they are not operating properly. If your technician finds that any of these components are not working properly, they will repair them before the start of the winter.

Regular maintenance for your furnace is an important part of keeping it running efficiently and safely. The frequency of maintenance will depend on the type of heating system in your home, as well as the age, size, and usage of your home. Your technician will examine the unit’s performance and make any necessary repairs before turning the system back on.