Should I have my furnace (air conditioner, boiler, etc...) serviced?

In short, the answer is yes. Please consider the following:
  • A well-tuned heating and air conditioning system can reduce your energy costs.*
  • Certain heating and cooling problems can double operating costs without reducing comfort level.*
  • Routine maintenance improves the life and reliability of equipment.*
  • As much as 80% of all air conditioning compressor failures could be eliminated if the problems leading to the failure were corrected in a timely manner.*
  • A dirty evaporator, condenser and blower can increase air conditioning electrical usage by 50% or more.*
  • A refrigerant undercharge of only 10% can increase operating cost by almost 20%.*

*These statements provided by Lennox Industries

"By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weatherization, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy bills and your pollution output in half."
          -- Federal Citizen Information Center

"Have a qualified contractor inspect the furnace, venting system and chimney annually to keep it operating safely and efficiently."
          -- Nicor

But what does an ANNUAL SERVICE entail?

  • Check thermostat
  • Check safety controls
  • Check burners and controls
  • Clean and adjust pilot assembly (standing pilot or spark ignition controls)
  • Adjust burner for efficiency
  • Check for gas leaks in furnace
  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Check belt and adjust tension (if applicable)
  • Clean or replace filters
  • Check vent pipe and draft diverter
  • Check fan control
  • Check manifold pressure
  • Check heat exchanger
  • Check temperature rise
  • Check that condensate drain is open (if applicable)
  • Check complete furnace cycle

What is an A/C CHECK?

  • Install gauges and check operating pressures
  • Check voltage and amperage to motors with meter
  • Check air temperature
  • Check for proper refrigerant charge
  • Check evaporator
  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Check belt and adjust tension (if applicable)
  • Clean or replace filters
  • Check safety controls
  • Check start capacitor and relays
  • Check compressor contactor
  • Check all wiring connections
  • Check thermostat
  • Clean condensing coil
  • Check that condensate drain is open
  • Check complete cooling cycle
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