Furnaces

A standard checklist for all furnaces is unrealistic. Nevertheless, it’s not unreasonable to want to know at least some of what will be done. Keep in mind that much of the following applies only to certain types of furnaces. This list certainly doesn't cover every possibility.

• Cleaning of the burners if needed. The older the furnace the dirtier they tend to get. Many newer burners don't need cleaning at all.
• Cleaning of the pilot assembly if needed. Many modern furnaces use hot surface igniters instead of a pilot.
• Cleaning of the flame sensor. The same furnaces that use hot surface igniters usually have flame sensors.
• Inspection of the visible portions of the heat exchanger. Eventually all furnaces develop cracks in their "fire boxes", usually late in their service life, that can allow exhaust gas into the house.
• Inspection of the vent connector.
• Inspection of the wiring harness. Wires with minor fraying and burns will be repaired.
• Inspection of the vacuum tube port for debris. Vacuum switches connect to these ports.
• Inspection of the SSU or SRU for evidence of overheating. Too much heat can indicate wear of the connection and cause nuisance fuse tripping.
• Inspection of the fuse for proper size.
• Inspection of the belt if there is one. New belts are extra. Belts are now so rare in residential furnaces that I no longer stock them. A second trip to replace the belt will be required. In some cases I can show you how to do it.
• A check of the flue draw to assure proper exhausting of flue gases. This is especially important on wall furnaces.
• A check of the flame color to ensure proper combustion. Flame color is useful as an indicator of performance but not definitive.
• A check of temperature rise to ensure that the unit isn’t running too hot or cold. Either one can cause premature failure of the heat exchanger.
• A check for water leaks on 90+ furnaces. A leak in the wrong place can take out a $500 dollar circuit board.
• A check and if need be adjustment of the fan switch. They tend to get out of calibration as they get older. In some cases it's best to leave them alone.
• An optional combustion gas analysis if your furnace’s condition warrants.
• An optional vacuuming of the burner compartment should the situation warrant.
• Oiling of the blower motor bearings if they are accessible and if the situation warrants. Sometimes oiling the motor can actually finish it off.
• Adjustment of the fan speed should the situation warrant.
• Adjustment of the gas pressure should the situation warrant.
• The thermocouple will be checked if your furnace has one. If it needs replacement there will be a small additional charge.
• Replacement of a standard one inch disposable air filter as long as there's a suitable one on the van (there usually is). If not, I'll show you its location and how to change it. High efficiency media filters and electronic air cleaner service is not included.
• Replacement of a degraded vacuum tube as long as there's one on the van that will work (there usually is), at my discretion.
• Any repair that is extremely minor in nature, that requires no parts and that takes only a few minutes will be included in the price of the maintenance.

Sometimes the blower wheel gets so dirty that it will not supply proper airflow. Contractors trying to make filler work will recommend blower cleaning almost all the time. I reserve such recommendations for when it will actually benefit you. Cleaning the blower assembly can sometimes take as long as the rest of the furnace maintenance. As such, it's not included in the standard price. In my experience the majority of furnaces don't need their blowers cleaned. But if your blower wheel does, I'll show you what it looks like and quote you on a case by case basis.

A basic maintenance on one furnace usually takes an hour, give or take. The cost is $180. A combined furnace and air conditioner maintenance is $240.

Air Conditioner

A standard checklist for all air conditioners is also unrealistic. Nevertheless, it’s not unreasonable to want to know at least some of what will be done. Keep in mind that some of the following applies only to certain types of air conditioner. This list certainly doesn't cover every possibility.

• Inspection of all visible wiring. The high current wires can sometimes overheat at their connections. Most minor wire repairs are included.
• Inspection of controls including the contactor, relays, etc. The most common point of failure is the points on the contactor. They'll pit and start to run hot. That heat can be measured as a voltage drop. Some contractors recommend new contactors every five years. I only recommend them as needed.
• Inspection of the fuses and fuse box for wear and correct sizing. It's not uncommon to find the wrong type and/or size fuse being used on an AC.
• Inspection of capacitors and start devices.
• Replacement of a standard one inch disposable air filter as long as there's a suitable one on the van (there usually is). If not, I'll show you its location and how to change it. High efficiency media filters and electronic air cleaner service is not included.
• A check of the refrigerant level. This may include a check of pressures and/or superheat and/or subcooling. Refrigerant will be added if needed and if you approve the additional cost.
• Motor amp draws, voltage, bearings, mounting, etc will be checked. Incorrect readings will be investigated.
• Compressor terminals will be checked if needed and if accessible.
• A check of the temperature drop to ensure that the system isn't running too hot or too cold.
• A check of the evaporator coil if readings are off and the situation warrants, at my discretion. On occasion opening an evaporator coil is time consuming and costs extra.

Sometimes the condenser coil gets dirty enough to interfere with system operation. If that is the case, a basic cleaning will be included. The evaporator coil can also sometimes get dirty enough to cause problems. Cleaning the evaporator coil is sometimes time consuming. Luckily it only needs to be done in a minority of cases. The cost to clean an evaporator coil that has an access panel (most of them do) will be quoted on a case by case basis.

A basic maintenance on one air conditioner usually takes an hour, give or take. The cost is $180. A combined furnace and air conditioner maintenance is $240.

Ducts

Ducts don't wear in the same way that your mechanical system does. A well designed and installed duct system can last decades and need no attention. Duct inspection is typically not done on a furnace or AC maintenance. However, there are occasions where duct inspection is requested or warranted. Such instances will be quoted on a case by case basis.

Electronic Air Cleaners

Electronic air cleaners are powered air filters that typically contain two pre-screens and two cells that need to be cleaned often, sometimes monthly, but at least quarterly. Cleaning can take 20 minutes or more. I'm happy to instruct you and how to perform the cleaning. Or I can do it for an additional $30 to $60.

Space-Gard / Aprilaire Filters

One of the most common high end media filters is made by Aprilaire. Installation of a new replacement media is typically around $60. That offer applies only if I have your particular media on the van, which I usually do.

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