However, there is one key element of a heating tune-up that means the most for your family’s safety: Combustion Analysis.
What is Combustion Analysis?
Combustion Analysis is a careful test of the heat exchanger in your furnace to ensure it’s working properly. In fact, it’s the only test that will truly identify safe operation. While most companies perform a visual inspection, it will not uncover hairline cracks, which can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
Here is what a Combustion Analyzer looks like.Hairline cracks become a problem when the gas is burning, and the crack becomes larger in the heat. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels.
All of our technicians are equipped with a combustion analyzer, the tool that’s carefully inserted into the flue pipe of your gas heating appliance. Readings on the device will indicate whether there is proper combustion and that all levels are within safe limits.
If another company is performing your tune-up, this device is what you should look for when they are testing your system. Or simply ask if they use a combustion analyzer.
Next Steps
Whether you use my company or any other HVAC company, please be sure to get a heating tune-up and ask whether a combustion analysis has been properly done on your system.
Since there is no industry standard on the words “tune-up,” “maintenance” or “safety check”, you will always want to make sure that combustion analysis is included no matter which company you choose.
Again, no matter which company you choose, please have a combustion analysis performed. It will give you great peace of mind as you safely warm your family this winter!
