Do I Really Need a Furnace Tune-up Every Year?
Yes, you need a furnace tune-up annually. Furnace tune-ups are essential for maintaining the health of your unit, as just 1/100th of an inch of dust on the heat exchanger and blower wheel reduces furnace efficiency by 20%.
HVAC Comfort provides furnace tune-ups in your area with a 51-point service: we clean those surfaces and check the unit’s safety systems, versus a 21-point inspection that only confirms the unit runs.
Quick answer
- Annual tune-up needed? Yes
- Efficiency lost from 1/100″ of dust: 20%
- 51-point tune-up: $129
- 21-point inspection: $39
- Diagnostic call: $79
- Maintenance agreement (2 visits/year): $200 </aside>
The 1/100th-Inch Rule
If you get 1/100th of an inch of dust on the heat exchanger and the blower wheel, you lose 20% of your efficiency. Gregory Matson, Owner, HVAC Comfort
The 20% efficiency loss is the reason annual tune-ups pay for themselves in Michigan, where furnaces run 6–8 months a year.
Furnace Tune-Up vs Inspection: $129 vs $39
How do you know if you need a furnace tune-up vs. inspection? An inspection provides information, while a tune-up keeps your unit running smoothly. HVAC Comfort offers two distinct services for homeowners:
- $39 inspection (21 points): Confirms the furnace runs and reports findings. Useful for second opinions or real estate transactions. Does not include cleaning.
- $129 tune-up (51 points): Full inspection plus cleaning, restoring the 20% efficiency.
A diagnostic service call (when something is wrong with the furnace) is $79.
The Maintenance Agreement
HVAC Comfort offers a $200/year maintenance agreement that includes two visits, one for the furnace and one for the AC. Two standalone tune-ups would total $258, so the agreement saves $58 plus adds priority scheduling.
Why HVAC Comfort Tunes Up Furnaces in Clarkston, Michigan
HVAC Comfort tunes up residential furnaces across Clarkston, Michigan. Every tune-up is the full 51-point service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a tune-up and an inspection?
A tune-up is 51 points and includes the cleaning that drives efficiency ($129). An inspection is 21 points and is a visual check only ($39).
How much efficiency do I lose without a tune-up?
20%, from just 1/100th of an inch of dust on the heat exchanger and blower wheel.
What does the maintenance agreement cost?
$200/year for two visits, furnace in fall, AC in spring.
What’s the diagnostic call fee?
$79 to diagnose a problem with the furnace.
Service Area
Written By: HVAC Comfort Team