If you’ve lived in Sacramento long enough, you know how fast the seasons can change. One week it’s 80 degrees, and the next you’re reaching for the thermostat. That first cold night of the year is when a lot of homeowners realize their furnace hasn’t been turned on in months.
A quick tune-up before winter isn’t just a box to check, it’s what keeps your system safe, efficient, and ready for another season of work. Gilmore Heating, Air & Plumbing has helped families in Sacramento, Antelope, and Roseville prepare for winter for decades. Here’s why it’s worth getting your furnace looked at before you really need it.
How Routine Tune-Ups Prevent Costly Repairs
Furnaces sit quiet through most of the year. Dust builds up, belts dry out, and small issues start forming long before you turn it on. When it finally kicks back to life, those little problems can turn into big ones.
A fall tune-up is like an oil change for your heating system. Our technicians check the major components, clean what’s needed, and make sure everything is safe to run. That one visit can:
- Catch worn parts before they cause damage
- Clear out dust that can burn and smell awful on the first run
- Keep your furnace operating efficiently so it uses less gas or electricity
- Prevent those late-night breakdowns that always seem to happen on the coldest weekend of the year
Many manufacturers, including Lennox and Trane, recommend annual service to keep your warranty valid. Skipping it might save a little now but can cost more later when something fails that would’ve been covered.
Signs Your Furnace Needs Servicing
You don’t always need a full breakdown to know it’s time for maintenance. Most furnaces start showing subtle signs when they need help.
Look for things like:
- Rooms that heat unevenly
- A steady climb in your PG&E bill
- Strange smells when the furnace starts up
- Weak airflow from vents
- The system running for short bursts instead of full cycles
- Noises you haven’t heard before; rattling, grinding, or squealing
If you’re seeing two or three of these, it’s a good idea to schedule a tune-up soon. It’s always easier to handle a small problem before winter kicks in.
What to Expect During a Professional Tune-Up
When Gilmore’s technicians show up for your furnace tune-up, we don’t just dust off the exterior and call it a day. The visit usually takes about an hour or two, depending on your setup, and covers every major part of your heating system.
Here’s what we typically do:
- Inspect burners, heat exchangers, and blowers for buildup or damage.
- Test safety controls and ignition systems.
- Check the flue pipe and ventilation for blockages.
- Clean and tighten electrical connections.
- Lubricate moving parts.
- Check gas pressure and pilot or ignition operation.
- Replace or clean the air filter.
- Calibrate the thermostat for accuracy.
After we finish, you’ll get a rundown of what we found and any recommendations. If everything looks good, you’re ready for winter. If we find anything worn or risky, we’ll explain so you can make an informed decision.
According to Energy.gov, regular maintenance can cut energy costs by up to 15 percent. That means less wasted fuel and a smaller PG&E bill through the cold months.
How Gilmore Keeps Sacramento Homes Warm All Winter
At Gilmore, we’ve worked on every type of heating system you’ll find in the Sacramento area. From older gas furnaces in Roseville ranch homes to newer variable-speed systems in Antelope, we’ve seen how local conditions affect performance.
Our job is to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable through the winter. During a tune-up, we also look for safety issues like carbon monoxide leaks or failing sensors, things that might go unnoticed until it’s too late.
If your furnace is older or showing signs of strain, we’ll let you know honestly whether a repair or upgrade makes more sense. You’ll always get straightforward advice, not a sales pitch.
A Few Tips to Help Your Furnace Work Smarter
Even with professional maintenance, there are small things you can do to help your system run better:
- Keep vents and registers clear of furniture and rugs.
- Change your air filter every one to three months.
- Seal up drafty windows and doors to keep warm air inside.
- Use a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature while you sleep or leave for work.
- Schedule your annual tune-up every fall before the first cold snap.
A little bit of prevention goes a long way. Most mid-season breakdowns we see could have been avoided with a quick visit in the fall.
Schedule Your Fall Furnace Tune-Up with Gilmore
Getting your furnace ready for winter doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference. A single maintenance visit from Gilmore can help you save energy, avoid breakdowns, and keep your home safe all season.
We’ve been serving Sacramento and nearby cities like Antelope and Roseville for decades, and we take pride in helping our neighbors stay comfortable. When you call us for service, you get a friendly technician who shows up on time, does the work carefully, and explains what they’re doing every step of the way.
Don’t wait until the first big cold front hits. Schedule your fall furnace tune-up with Gilmore today and enjoy worry-free comfort all winter long.
FAQs
How often should I schedule furnace maintenance?
Once a year, ideally in the fall before you start using the furnace regularly.
What happens if I skip my tune-up?
Your furnace might still run, but efficiency drops and small issues can turn into major repairs.
Will a tune-up improve energy efficiency?
Yes. Cleaning, adjusting, and replacing filters help your furnace use less energy to produce the same heat.
How long does the appointment take?
Most tune-ups take one to two hours, depending on your furnace type and condition.
Do you service all brands?
Yes. Our technicians work on all major furnace brands and models.