IS A FURNACE TUNE-UP WORTH IT? DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL

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HVAC technician inspects the inside of a furnace with the front panel open, holding a tablet that shows a close-up view of the furnace components and wiring.

Have you been on the fence about whether a furnace tune-up is worth it? Consider this as your sign to take the plunge, because regular maintenance will make your life so much easier.

Regular maintenance extends your furnace’s lifespan and gives you additional years of peak performance. You’ll also reduce the risk of a surprise breakdown that puts you in the exhausting position of calling for a last-minute repair.

A.J. Perri is a heating, cooling, and plumbing service that has kept homeowners’ furnaces in excellent condition since 1971. Do you need a starting point to determine whether your furnace needs a DIY or professional tune-up? Here you’ll learn a few practical tips for maintaining your system and keeping it in great condition year-round.

DIY MAINTENANCE VS. PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE

Should you call a professional for your furnace tune-up or try the DIY route? Both options are valid in different scenarios, so let’s explore which option best suits your situation.

DIY MAINTENANCE

Maybe you’re wondering how often to tune up a furnace. We recommend doing this about once per year to align with the seasonal changes. Spring or summer is a great time to check your furnace to make sure you’re prepared for the chill of fall and winter.

Try these simple DIY fixes to keep your furnace working smoothly and your monthly energy bills low. We always recommend caution when taking any steps you’re not comfortable with—there’s no shame in letting a professional handle it instead!

FILTER REPLACEMENT

You should change your furnace’s filters every few months. Dirty, clogged filters disrupt airflow and strain your system, increasing your energy bills and even risking a breakdown.

CLEAN VENTS AND REGISTERS

Similar to dirty filters, dirty vents and registers make your furnace work harder to heat your home. Even worse, you’ll get a blast of dirty or moldy air every time the furnace runs.

You can easily clean vents and registers with a vacuum hose to suck up dust and dirt. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface; no chemical cleaners necessary.

CHECK THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

Have you ever turned on your furnace expecting warm air, only to feel cold air or notice short-cycling instead? Double-check that your thermostat is set to the right temperature. If your system is older, you may need to raise the temperature before it triggers its heating mechanism.

PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE

Many New Jersey homeowners don’t think about their heating system until it fails. A furnace tune-up is worth it since it’s simpler and more affordable than a surprise repair.

What does a furnace tune-up consist of? Many reputable heating services will clean, inspect, and diagnose any potential issues with your system for less than most families spend on a night at the movies. Check out the steps our technicians take when performing this service.

PERFORM SAFETY CHECKS

Furnaces are complex systems with multiple safeguards to reduce the risk of combustion, leaks, or breakdowns. However, a professional safety check can ensure these safeguards are working as intended. A professional can test burner ignition sequences or inspect for signs of damage that a DIY approach might miss.

CHECK FOR LEAKS OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES

Old and damaged furnaces are at a higher risk of carbon monoxide leaks and electrical problems, both of which can be extremely hazardous. A trained technician can spot even the most subtle signs of these problems and fix them before they threaten your safety.

PERFORM A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM CHECK-UP

A professional knows furnaces inside and out. They can provide a well-rounded check-up that covers all the bases, including fuel type, electrical connections, filters, performance, energy usage, and indoor air quality.

REPAIR OR REPLACE PARTS

If your furnace has a more serious issue that requires repair or replacement, you’ll need to call a professional. Not only will they have the tools and equipment to fix specific parts, but they’ll also be able to get the job done cleanly and safely.

Call our team to schedule an inspection of your furnace.

SHOULD YOU GET A FURNACE TUNE-UP?

Tuning up your furnace or heat pump is an investment in your peace of mind. A furnace tune-up is worth it if you want to address minor issues early, improve indoor air quality, and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO A FURNACE TUNE-UP?

Typically, once a year. Early fall is the ideal time to schedule your furnace maintenance before the weather cools down.

HOW MUCH DOES A FURNACE TUNE-UP COST?

The cost of a furnace tune-up depends on your system and region. However, it’s a relatively small investment compared to a longer repair job or replacement.

WHAT DOES A FURNACE TUNE-UP CONSIST OF?

A professional furnace tune-up is shorter than a repair visit or the installation of a new system. When you reach out to an A.J. Perri technician for help, we’ll perform the following tasks to make sure your furnace is working well:

  • Check thermostat calibration

  • Inspect gas connections

  • Clean or replace the air filter

  • Lubricate moving parts

  • Check airflow and ductwork

  • Inspect the heat exchanger

  • Test safety switches and controls

  • Inspect ignition and burner assembly

Still have questions about our heating system efficiency checks? Give us a call to speak with a technician, and they’ll be happy to help!

WHY CHOOSE A.J. PERRI FOR MAINTENANCE?

A.J. Perri is your go-to for furnace inspection and cleaning. We serve the greater New Jersey area and are available seven days a week so you can enjoy a cozy home year-round.

FINANCING OPTIONS

Do you need help paying for your home’s maintenance or repair services? If you qualify for our financing options, you’ll get access to low- or no-interest payment plans.

DISCOUNTS AND SAVINGS

When you work with A.J. Perri, you get access to our seasonal discounts and unique coupons. Check out our specials page to see how we can save you money on your upcoming tune-up!

PRIORITY SERVICE

Do you want even more benefits alongside your yearly tune-up? Choose our Pro Service Plan to get additional discounts and priority scheduling during peak seasons.

PEACE OF MIND

You deserve peace of mind from the moment you call us until after we’ve finished the job. We stand behind our work with multiple guarantees, including our 100% Unconditional Money Back Guarantee and Ultimate Comfort Guarantee.

HAPPY CUSTOMERS

What are other New Jersey homeowners and landlords saying about working with A.J. Perri? Check out our testimonials page to learn about our professionalism, dependability, and long-lasting results.

LONG-TERM SAVINGS

Our team is ready to service your furnace, heat pump, or hydronic boiler so you’re prepared for even the harshest New Jersey winter. You can prevent major system issues with regular check-ups and potentially save thousands over time.

Think of your furnace tune-up like an oil change for your car; you wouldn’t expect it to last or perform at its best if you never had it maintained. Don’t neglect your furnace or heat pump; reach out to A.J. Perri for maintenance today.

A.J. PERRI WILL KEEP YOUR FURNACE WORKING

At A.J. Perri, we offer a peace of mind guarantee with our 21-step precision tune-ups. If your system breaks down within a year of your tune-up, we will refund the entire cost or credit it to your repair.

Is a furnace tune-up worth it? Definitely. Experience the benefits firsthand with A.J. Perri.

Call now or schedule your appointment online to keep your furnace in great condition!

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