At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve served St. Louis homeowners with honest, local HVAC service for over 30 years.
As the St. Louis weather starts to cool and fall leaves begin to drop, it’s the perfect time to schedule your annual furnace inspection. But what actually happens during that visit from your HVAC technician?
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we believe in keeping our customers informed. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what our experienced, certified technicians check during a fall furnace tune-up—and why it matters for your home comfort and safety.
1. Thermostat Calibration & Controls Check
Your technician will start by making sure your thermostat is accurately reading and controlling the temperature. A miscalibrated thermostat can cause your furnace to cycle too often or not at all, leading to discomfort and wasted energy.
✔️ Why it matters: Ensures your furnace only runs when needed, saving you money.
2. Inspecting Heat Exchanger for Cracks
The heat exchanger is a critical component that separates combustion gases from the air circulating through your home. Cracks or damage can cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
✔️ Why it matters: Protects your family from potential carbon monoxide exposure—a serious safety hazard.
3. Checking and Replacing Air Filters
Your technician will inspect the furnace filter and replace it if it’s clogged or dirty. A clean filter keeps air flowing properly and protects your system from dust and debris buildup.
✔️ Why it matters: Improves indoor air quality and extends the life of your HVAC system.
4. Inspecting the Blower Motor and Fan
The blower motor and fan assembly move air through your ductwork. During a fall inspection, we check for loose belts, worn bearings, or electrical issues that could cause a breakdown.
✔️ Why it matters: Keeps your system running smoothly and prevents unexpected mid-winter failures.
5. Cleaning the Burners and Flame Sensor
Dust and buildup on burners can affect performance and efficiency. Your technician will clean them and ensure the flame sensor is detecting proper ignition.
✔️ Why it matters: Promotes consistent heating and efficient fuel use.
6. Gas Pressure and Connections
For gas furnaces, we inspect all gas lines and connections for leaks or corrosion and ensure proper gas pressure for safe combustion.
✔️ Why it matters: Prevents gas leaks and ensures optimal performance.
7. Inspecting the Flue and Venting System
Proper ventilation ensures combustion gases exit your home safely. Your technician will check for blockages, corrosion, or damage in the flue pipe.
✔️ Why it matters: Reduces the risk of backdrafting harmful gases into your living space.
8. Testing System Startup and Shutdown
We’ll run the system through a complete heating cycle to ensure it starts, runs, and shuts off correctly. This step helps identify any operational issues before they become bigger problems.
✔️ Why it matters: Ensures reliable performance when you need heat the most.
9. Checking Electrical Components and Safety Switches
Loose wires, faulty ignitors, and worn-out relays can cause short cycling or total system failure. We tighten connections and test all electrical components and safety controls.
✔️ Why it matters: Keeps your system safe and prevents emergency calls on the coldest days.
Why Schedule Your Furnace Inspection in the Fall?
Fall is the ideal time for a furnace tune-up because it:
- Prevents costly repairs during peak winter use
- Ensures your system runs efficiently, saving on energy bills
- Keeps your family safe with proper combustion and ventilation
- Extends the life of your furnace with routine care
Choose Local, Choose Thomas Hoffmann
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve served St. Louis homeowners with honest, local HVAC service for over 30 years. We’re not part of a corporate chain—we’re your neighbors, and we take pride in protecting your comfort and safety.
📍 Serving areas like Kirkwood, Chesterfield, Webster Groves, St. Charles, and more, we’re just a phone call away.