What Happens During a Heating Tune-Up?

A heating tune-up is a full safety and performance check on your furnace or heat pump. A technician cleans the parts that collect dust, tests the controls and safety switches, checks electrical connections, and, on gas furnaces, checks the burners, heat exchanger, and venting. The goal is to catch small problems before they turn into a no-heat call on the coldest night of the year.

What does a technician check on a gas furnace?

• Burners and flame. Clean burners and a steady blue flame mean the furnace is burning fuel correctly.
• Heat exchanger. We inspect it for cracks or damage that could let combustion gases into your home.
• Carbon monoxide test. We test for CO around the furnace and check that the venting is drawing properly.
• Gas pressure and connections. Wrong pressure can make a furnace run poorly or unsafely.
• Ignitor and flame sensor. A dirty flame sensor is one of the most common reasons a furnace won't stay lit.
• Safety switches. These shut the furnace off if something goes wrong, so we make sure they work.

What does a technician check on a heat pump?

• Refrigerant pressures and temperatures, to confirm the system is charged and moving heat
• Defrost operation, so the outdoor coil clears frost the way it should
• Backup heat strips, to make sure aux and emergency heat will work when you need them
• Outdoor coil and fan, cleaned and cleared of debris
• Reversing valve, which switches the system between heating and cooling

What gets checked on every system?

ENERGY STAR's maintenance checklist covers many of the same basics we check on every visit:

1. Thermostat settings and operation
2. Electrical connections tightened, and motor voltage and current measured
3. Moving parts lubricated where needed
4. The condensate drain checked and cleared
5. Startup, operation, and shutdown tested
6. Air filter checked and airflow measured

You get a plain-language report of what we found, with clear pricing before any repair.

When should I schedule a heating tune-up?

Early fall is ideal, before you need the heat every day. In Northwest Metro Atlanta, that's usually September through early November. If you missed it, schedule one now. A winter check is still better than none, especially for a gas furnace.

Is a yearly tune-up worth it?

A tune-up helps your system run efficiently, catches safety issues early, and helps your equipment last longer. Many manufacturers also require yearly maintenance to keep the warranty valid, so check yours.

Our Aero 360 Plan includes two scheduled HVAC visits a year, priority scheduling, and member pricing on repairs. You can also book a single furnace tune-up.

How can I get ready for my tune-up?

• Clear a path to the furnace or air handler and the outdoor unit
• Write down anything unusual you've noticed, like noises, smells, or rooms that won't heat
• Have your last service report handy if you have one

When should I call a pro?

Call Aero Air Services at (888) 409-2376 or request service online to schedule. We show up. We clean up. We back our work.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a heating tune-up take?

Most take about an hour. It can take longer if we find something that needs a closer look.

Do heat pumps need a tune-up twice a year?

A heat pump heats and cools, so it runs most of the year. A visit before winter and another before summer is a good rule of thumb.

Can I do my own tune-up?

You can change your filter and keep the outdoor unit clear. Gas pressure, combustion, refrigerant, and electrical checks need a licensed technician.