The Pioneer Report Card: What We Measure During an Annual Service Visit

You’ve probably heard us say it once or twice on this blog, but it bears repeating: routine annual maintenance is the key to getting better system performance and a longer lifespan for your heating equipment.

But not all annual tune-ups are created equal.

When you schedule a tune-up from Pioneer (included in our high-value service plans), you’ll not only get one of the most comprehensive maintenance visits in the business, but also one of the most transparent.

That’s because our technicians include an Annual Equipment Service Report Card with every tune-up so you can understand exactly what that “guy in your basement” was doing and how it helps you save money in the long run.

Here’s what we measure:

1. Carbon dioxide percentage – This measures the output of carbon dioxide (CO2) coming from your heating equipment. A CO2 reading outside normal range can indicate an improper mix of oxygen and hydrogen during the combustion process, which translates to lower efficiency.
2. Carbon monoxide (CO) – This measures the amount of CO produced by your heating system. A build-up of CO – the result of malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment – can be dangerous. We measure CO to make sure your family is safe.
3. Combustion efficiency – This measures how much heat you’re getting for your fuel dollar. The higher the score, the more value you are getting from your fuel purchases.
4. Exhaust draft – This measures how strong the flow of air is that carries heating system emissions away from your home. If the draft is too weak, it must be adjusted to keep emissions a safe distance away from your living space.
5. Exhaust temperature – This measures the temperature of the air leaving your home so we can tell if you are losing too much heat through your chimney.
6. Smoke – This measures how much soot is contained in the air flowing from your heating system’s exhaust. Higher numbers mean that combustion is incomplete, and that your system requires adjustments.

If we find any problems along the way, we’ll talk you through them so you can make the best decisions for your family’s safety and comfort.

Early spring is the perfect time to beat the crowd and schedule your annual HVAC or heating system maintenance. Contact us today to keep your equipment running better for longer!