Heating System Tune Up
Heating System Tune Up
In Minnesota, we rely on furnaces or boilers to heat our homes for almost half the year, so keeping your heating system in good working order is very important.
An annual heating system tune-up can prolong the lifespan and improve the efficiency of your equipment, saving you money and giving you peace of mind that your furnace or boiler is well prepped to run cleanly and safely through the winter months.
Why should I care?
About 55 percent of the energy used in a Minnesota home is devoted to heating and cooling. To check for worn parts and optimize efficiency — as well as to control carbon monoxide levels — furnaces and boilers should be cleaned and tuned up annually by a professional. This service will keep systems properly adjusted, and should cut down on future repairs. A technician will check the igniter and flame sensor, pull and clean burners, inspect the heat exchanger for excess rust or cracks, check for gas or venting leaks, and inspect and lubricate the blower motor.
Want to get a head start? To keep your home’s heating system running safely and efficiently, the easiest thing you can do yourself is to replace your air filter monthly. Replacing filters when they’re clogged or dusty will improve your heating system’s air flow, while removing dust and other pollutants from the air.
How much will it cost?
An average furnace tune up ranges in cost from $75 to $100. Make sure to check with your utility if a rebate for a tune up is available. As one example, if CenterPoint Energy is your natural gas provider in Minnesota, you can earn a $25 rebate for doing this work.
Outside Resources
| Green Building Advisor Information on what you can do yourself to tune your heating system and what a professional should do. | Minnesota Department of Commerce The Department of Commerce has a Home Energy Guide that offers more information, including information on heating system tune-ups on pages 26 and 29. | CenterPoint Energy If your heating system uses CenterPoint Energy natural gas, you can pay for regular maintenance through the Home Service Plus® program. | Xcel Energy HomeServe administers a home repair program for Xcel Energy that can include heating system service. |
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