Heating Season Furnace Tune-up Deals Are Heating Up
A few days ago I
mentioned a few things you can do to avoid working with the wrong heating contractor when you need furnace repair service. Now let's look on the bright side... consumers win when heating and cooling contractors compete.
That's right. As temperatures begin to drop so do the coupons, and not just in my industry. The holidays bring deals-a-plenty, especially this year. Wherever you go right now you'll see HVAC companies offering hot deals on furnace maintenance service. It might even be a little dizzying... 23 point this, 19 point that... what's it all mean? And aren't they all the same? The answer is a definite
NO!
When it comes to heating and cooling contractors, you often get what you pay for. Here's what you need to know about these ads:
1. Furnace "Checks"
Regardless of the number or 'points' of checks,
a furnace check usually means a basic visual inspection. You can think of this like kicking the tires. Checks usually consist of not more than an assessment of furnace components, ductwork or other visible air distribution areas. No mechanical or maintenance work is typically done during a check.
2. Furnace "Tune-ups"
Tune-ups should indicate professional 'tuning' of the equipment. This includes checking and adjusting the temperature difference between the supply and return air, so that the home comfort system is adjusted to operate as close to original specifications as possible. It should also include a lubrication of moving mechanical parts and a thorough cleaning of the furnace components. Notice all these steps entail cleaning and actual adjustments of the equipment, not just a visual check.
3. Duct "Cleaning"
It should be obvious that Duct Cleaning is a service to the duct system and is not a furnace cleaning or A/C-related maintenance. Duct cleanings involve using suction and rotary brushes to scrub the inside of duct work (in fact, more proper term would be Duct Vacuuming). Duct cleaning is not related to cleaning of the furnace or air conditioner. But keep in mind it is possible that
the furnace will likely need a tune-up following a duct cleaning. When scheduling a duct cleaning be sure to ask about what is included and have a furnace tune-up added
after the duct cleaning service.
I hope this bit of information helps you make more informed decisions when choosing the right type of furnace service for your needs. Every customer has a different need in mind. Fortunately there are licensed and certified
HVAC companies that offer
the right services for each of them!
Posted: 11/2/2009 4:06:55 PM by Sam