Tune-up and cleaning
Furnace tune-up and cleaning in Spokane
A yearly check catches the slow failures, like a dirty flame sensor or a sagging blower, before a cold night does. Here is what a proper tune-up includes.
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What a tune-up should include
Checklists vary by contractor, but a thorough visit on a gas furnace covers most of this:
- burners inspected and cleaned, and flame appearance checked
- flame sensor cleaned and igniter checked for cracks
- heat exchanger looked over for cracks, rust or scorching
- draft motor, pressure switch and vent connections checked
- condensate trap and drain flushed on high-efficiency units
- blower wheel inspected, motor amperage measured
- gas pressure and temperature rise measured against the label
- safety limits tested and the thermostat cycle confirmed
- filter checked and replaced or shown to you
Ask for a short written note of what was found. A tune-up that ends with no notes at all is hard to judge.
Why early fall works in Spokane
Spokane's heating season starts early. In the 1991 to 2020 climate normals, October already averages a low of 38 °F at the airport and November's normal low is below freezing. A furnace that sat idle all summer gets its first hard use in those weeks.
Booking in September or early October means the work happens before the first real freeze, when repair calls start to stack up and a found problem can be fixed without a cold house.
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals.
Utility advice on yearly servicing
Avista's safety guidance recommends that heating systems, water heaters and other fuel-burning appliances be serviced by a qualified technician. It lists furnaces among common sources of carbon monoxide, which is one reason the heat exchanger and venting checks matter.
Source: Avista natural gas safety.
Between visits
A few habits keep a furnace healthier through a Spokane winter:
- Check the filter monthly in the heating season and change it when it looks grey.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear of boxes, paint and laundry.
- After heavy snow, clear the outside vent pipes on a high-efficiency furnace.
- Keep supply and return grilles open and uncovered by furniture or rugs.
- Test carbon monoxide alarms using the button, and replace them at the end of their marked life.
Common questions
Does a tune-up include AC?
Not always. Some contractors offer a combined visit in spring or fall. Say which system you want checked when you call.
Is duct cleaning part of a furnace tune-up?
No. A tune-up covers the furnace itself. Ask the contractor directly about anything beyond the unit.
Where these facts come from
Cold house in Spokane? Talk to a contractor now.
Dial the number and explain what the heat or cooling is doing. The person who picks up runs an independent HVAC business working in Spokane and the towns nearby.