Boiler Tune-Up vs. Furnace Tune-Up: What Waukesha Homeowners Should Know

Two Heating Systems, Two Different Tune-Ups

Waukesha homes are heated in two main ways. Many older homes in established neighborhoods use a boiler that sends hot water to radiators or baseboard units. Many newer homes and subdivisions use a forced-air furnace and ductwork. Both need a yearly checkup before the cold sets in, but the two visits are not the same, and booking the wrong one means the important parts of your system never get looked at.

How to Tell Which One You Have

If you see radiators or baseboard units along the walls, you most likely have a boiler. If you see vents in the floor or ceiling that blow warm air, you most likely have a furnace. If you are not sure, contact us and we will tell you which visit fits your home.

What a Furnace Tune-Up Covers

A furnace is a combustion appliance with a blower, so the tune-up focuses on safe, efficient burning and good airflow.

• Cleaning the burners and the flame sensor
• Inspecting the heat exchanger, an important check against carbon monoxide risk
• Checking the blower and the air filter
• Testing the safety controls and electrical connections
• Verifying the thermostat

You can see everything that is included on our Waukesha heating tune-up page.

What a Boiler Tune-Up Covers

A boiler moves heat with water, so the tune-up looks at the whole hot-water loop as well as the burner.

• System pressure and the expansion tank
• The circulating pump and the zone valves
• Trapped air that leaves radiators cold at the top
• The combustion side of the boiler and its safety controls
• Leaks, corrosion and the condition of visible piping

Details are on our Waukesha boiler tune-up page.

When to Book

Early fall, before the first hard cold snap, is the best time for either one. A problem found during a planned visit gets fixed on your schedule instead of during a no-heat emergency. If your heat does go out between visits, call us any hour, every day.

Build Your Tune-Ups into One Monthly Price

If you would rather not think about maintenance every year, the On The Dot Club is $25 a month with a 6 month minimum commitment. Members get two tune-ups a year, one for heating and one for cooling, plus 20% off repairs, priority service, a $0 dispatch and assessment fee with no overtime or after-hours rates, and a lifetime repair warranty while the membership is active.

Questions About Heating Tune-Ups in Waukesha

Is a boiler tune-up more expensive than a furnace tune-up?

Prices depend on the system, so we do not quote one here. Call us and we will tell you what applies to your home.

How often should each one be done?

Once a year for both. A system that is older, runs hard or has had repairs before may benefit from a closer look, and our technician will tell you plainly what yours needs.

Do you service both?

Yes. We service forced-air furnaces and boilers in Waukesha, and we answer calls 24/7 at (262) 671-8999.