Question 1

How often does a furnace need service?

Accepted Answer

Annual service is the standard recommendation, ideally scheduled in early fall before heating season starts. This confirms your furnace is safe, efficient, and prepared for cold weather.

Question 2

How much does furnace service cost?

Accepted Answer

A typical furnace inspection and tune-up runs $89–$150. Maintenance plan members receive this service at a reduced rate as part of their annual agreement.

Question 3

What's the difference between furnace service and furnace repair?

Accepted Answer

Furnace service is preventive — a systematic inspection and tune-up designed to keep everything running properly. Furnace repair targets a specific malfunction or failure that has already surfaced.

Question 4

How do I relight my furnace pilot light?

Accepted Answer

Turn the gas valve knob to 'OFF' and wait five minutes for residual gas to clear. Then turn it to 'PILOT,' press and hold the knob down, and use a long lighter to ignite the pilot. Hold the knob for 30–60 seconds after the pilot lights to let the thermocouple heat up, then release and turn to 'ON.' If the pilot won't stay lit after two attempts, call a technician — forcing it creates a gas buildup risk.

Question 5

How often should a furnace flame sensor be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

We clean the flame sensor during every annual tune-up — once a year is sufficient for most homes. If your furnace starts the pattern of lighting then shutting off within 5–10 seconds between tune-ups, the flame sensor likely needs cleaning sooner. It takes about 10 minutes with fine emery cloth or steel wool and is included in our standard maintenance visit.

Question 6

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Accepted Answer

For standard 1-inch filters, change them every 30–90 days depending on whether you have pets, allergies, or a dusty home. Four-inch media filters last 6–12 months. A dirty filter is the number one cause of furnace problems we see — it restricts airflow, causes overheating, increases energy bills, and accelerates wear on the blower motor. When in doubt, pull it out and hold it up to light — if you can't see through it, replace it.

Question 7

What MERV rating filter should I use in my furnace?

Accepted Answer

For most residential furnaces, a MERV 8–11 filter is the sweet spot — it captures dust, pollen, and pet dander without restricting airflow. MERV 13 and above filters are great for air quality but can strain older furnaces that weren't designed for that much resistance. Never use a MERV 13+ filter without confirming your system can handle it — restricted airflow from an overly aggressive filter causes more problems than it solves.

Question 8

Should I upgrade to a smart thermostat with my furnace?

Accepted Answer

A smart thermostat like an Ecobee or Google Nest can save 10–15% on heating costs through learning schedules, geofencing, and optimized cycling. However, not every furnace is compatible — older systems without a C-wire may need an adapter. We install and configure smart thermostats as part of our services and ensure they communicate properly with your specific furnace model.

Question 9

How do I find out how old my furnace is?

Accepted Answer

The manufacture date is encoded in the serial number on the furnace's rating plate — usually on the inside of the front panel or on the side of the unit. Each manufacturer uses a different code format. You can also search the model number online or call us with the serial number and we'll tell you the exact age. Knowing your furnace's age helps you plan for replacement before an emergency breakdown.

Question 10

How often should a furnace be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Every furnace should be professionally serviced once a year, ideally in the fall before heating season starts. Annual maintenance includes cleaning the burners and flame sensor, inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, checking gas pressure and combustion efficiency, testing safety controls, lubricating the blower motor, and verifying thermostat calibration. Homes that skip annual maintenance see 2–3 times more emergency breakdowns.

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