Furnace inspections are crucial. Many homeowners understand this conceptually but not necessarily to the point where routine furnace inspections are scheduled on a regular and much-needed basis. Specific processes occur during a furnace inspection, revealing current and potential issues with parts or all your heating system. Service providers charge prices based on specific factors although national pricing averages are available to use when assessing your potential costs during research.
Multiple top HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) companies are available to assess the needs of your furnace today. Finding the most experienced, reliable, and affordable service providers near you is simpler than ever before due to the availability of many user-friendly online resource websites in 2021. Read ahead for an informative guide on various important aspects of furnace inspections and get your furnace inspected by a top inspection/service provider today.
Furnace Systems 101
Furnaces are often confused with boilers and heat pumps. Whereas all provide types of heat for your home, a furnace heats the air, a boiler heats water and heat pumps heat appliances utilizing heat from air, ground, or water reserve sources (e.g., wells & ponds). A furnace also consists of at least two dozen parts ranging from basic to complex in nature, purpose, and construction. Obtaining a basic understanding of the parts and sub-systems in your furnace helps you better comprehend inspection estimates and pricing/service proposals.
The blower, blower motor and capacitor are incredibly important elements of your heating system and furnace. They are also the most expensive parts to replace. For example, a blower motor costs up to $1,500+ and a capacitor between $120-$250 or more to replace on average. Capacitors provide the charge needed for blower motors to engage, and blower motors power furnaces to blow hot air through your ductwork. A failing blower motor is capable of overheating your system in addition to causing high energy bills, foul smells, decreased airflow and inappropriately cool temperatures.
A power switch allows you to manually power on/off your furnace. Supply/return registers and ducts send air to & from your furnace. The exhaust stack eliminates combustion gases from heat exchangers, forcing exhaust gas to flow up and not into the furnace cabinet. The draft hood creates constant air flow by drawing sufficient air into the chimney and simultaneously less air through it. A list of several more important part/elements to your furnace system includes:
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Combustion chamber (where gas/air is heated; prevents toxic gases from entering your home).
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Heat exchanger (separates combustion process from breathable air).
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Damper (assures furnace systems work properly; safely automates furnace regulation functions; allows manual control of regulation functions).
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Gas valve (opens/closes to facilitate gas flow to burner/pilot light).
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Flame sensor (safety device; prevents burnt gas from entering your ductwork).
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Circuit board (operates all furnace components).
Why Furnace Inspections are Important
Replacing an entire furnace system or even a few of its major parts/components is an expensive ordeal. Furnace inspections are important because they help maintain your system and keep various parts in working order for longer periods of time. This is achieved by the discovery of current and imminent problems during inspections prior to issues compounding to the point replacement parts are required to solve the problems. Inspections also prevent danger to you, your family and your home by discovering issues before they cause fires or toxic fumes to enter your ductwork and rooms. Therefore, a primary important benefit obtained from furnace inspections involves the protection of loved ones & personal assets you care most about in this world.
Furnace inspections save you money. Cleaning & repairing aspects of your furnace system is often significantly less expensive than replacing entire parts, especially major parts. A tuned-up and freshly cleaned furnace has a longer lifespan as well, which means your furnace will avoid expensive full replacement for many more years than an un-serviced unit with damage and/or leaks.
What Occurs During Furnace Inspections?
It is advisable to schedule annual furnace expenses in early autumn months. It is better yet to also have your furnace inspected biannually by adding a second inspection at the end of each winter season. This helps assess if any damage occurred during the hardest working months for your heating system, while simultaneously preventing potential damage from getting worse when sitting idle during the spring & summer seasons. What occurs during furnace inspections?
Filters are checked and frequently replaced. The thermostat is checked next because its proper calibration is an integral part of your system working efficiently. Gas lines are checked for unobstructed gas flow and the burner is commonly cleaned. A burner struggles to ignite when dirty or clogged. The heat exchanger is also inspected for corrosion and/or cracking. It is vital to replace a heat exchanger quickly if any cracks are discovered. The air handler, which facilitates the flow of air through the furnace and into your ductwork, is subsequently inspected as are the blower motor, fan, power switch, capacitor and more.
Average Inspection Service Prices
Average prices for furnace inspection services vary greatly between service provider and the condition of your furnace. Any cleaning and repair/replacement of parts are also factored into average costs. Most furniture inspections cost between $50 and $300 on average. The more frequently you schedule regular inspections the less likely your furnace will need repairs/replacements, which in turn results in less-expensive inspection service charges.
Top Furnace Inspection Companies 2021
HomeAdvisor is one of the most popular and reliable home-service search engine websites on the market today. Simply enter the type of service you need (furnace inspection) and your zip code. HomeAdvisor directs you to the best options available in your area within seconds or less. Total System Services (TSS), PickHVAC and The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Association (NADCA) also provide credible resources for finding a top HVAC inspection companies near you. Ultimately the same trusted companies providing general HVAC services nationwide also provide top furnace inspection services. Top furnace inspection companies in 2021 and a few resources to find them include: