Community Corner
Not All Heating System Tune-Ups Are Alike: What You Need To Know
If you've ever shopped around for furnace or boiler tune-ups, you've probably noticed a wide range of pricing.
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If you’ve ever shopped around for furnace or boiler tune-ups, you’ve probably noticed a wide range of pricing. Some companies advertise cut-rate seasonal “checks” for $99—or even less. It might sound like a bargain, but here’s the catch: these bare-bones inspections are not the same as full HVAC maintenance.
Low-priced “tune-ups” often amount to nothing more than a quick look at your equipment. The technician may visually inspect a few components, replace a filter, and check that the system turns on—but they rarely perform the deeper tests that ensure safe, efficient operation. Critical steps like combustion analysis are often skipped because they require expensive equipment, specialized training, and extra time.
The result? Homeowners think their system is “maintained” when in reality, hidden issues—like high carbon monoxide levels, inefficient fuel burn, or dangerous venting problems—go undetected until it’s too late.
At Denommee Plumbing, HVAC & Electric, we believe that safety and efficiency should never be optional. That’s why every heating maintenance visit we perform includes professional combustion analysis at no extra charge.
What Is Combustion Analysis?
Combustion analysis is a scientific evaluation of how completely and safely your heating system is burning fuel.
A trained HVAC technician drills a small test port in the flue pipe and inserts a probe connected to a combustion analyzer. This device measures critical data points such as:
- Oxygen (O₂) levels
- Carbon monoxide (CO) concentration
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) output
- Flue gas temperature
- Draft pressure
- Combustion efficiency
This information gives a precise snapshot of how the system is performing—not just whether it’s running.
What Is Combustion Analysis—and Why It’s Essential?
Combustion analysis is the process of measuring the gases in your furnace or boiler’s exhaust to evaluate how well the fuel is being burned. Our licensed HVAC technicians:
- Drill a small test port in the flue pipe
- Insert a probe connected to a combustion analyzer
- Measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, draft, flue temperature, and efficiency
This test reveals whether your heating system is operating safely and at peak efficiency. It’s the difference between guessing and knowing.
The Risks of Skipping Combustion Analysis
Carbon Monoxide Exposure – Incomplete combustion can create dangerous CO levels. A simple inspection won’t detect it, but combustion analysis will.
High Heating Bills – An inefficient burner setup wastes fuel. Without combustion testing, you might burn through hundreds of extra gallons of oil or cubic feet of gas each year.
Premature Equipment Failures – Poor combustion can cause soot buildup, cracked heat exchangers, and other costly damage.
Missed Rebates or Warranty Coverage – Many manufacturers and programs (including Mass Save) require combustion testing for commissioning and warranty validation.
When contractors skip combustion analysis, homeowners pay the price.
Why Many Contractors Skip Combustion Analysis
The truth is, not all HVAC companies invest in the tools and training needed. A quality combustion analyzer can cost thousands of dollars, and it requires annual calibration. Many contractors rely on outdated “rule of thumb” adjustments instead.
Denommee takes a different approach. We know that combustion analysis is not optional—it’s essential. That’s why our licensed HVAC technicians are fully trained and equipped to perform it on every oil, propane, and gas-fired heating system we service.
How Denommee Performs Combustion Analysis
When you schedule heating system maintenance or repair with Denommee, here’s what you can expect:
- Flue Access – Our technician drills a small hole in the vent pipe (or uses an existing port) to insert the probe.
- Real-Time Measurement – The analyzer captures flue gas data while the system runs under normal load.
- System Adjustments – Based on the readings, we fine-tune the burner, gas pressure, draft, and air mixture.
- Safety Verification – We confirm CO levels are within safe limits and document results.
- Efficiency Optimization – We provide a detailed report showing combustion efficiency, so you know your system is performing at its best.
This process adds time and cost for us—but it delivers priceless peace of mind for you.
The Denommee Difference: Comprehensive Maintenances Every Time
Denommee doesn’t believe in shortcuts. Our preventative maintenance visits are true tune-ups, not just inspections. That means:
✅ Full combustion analysis on every oil, propane, and gas-fired system
✅ Draft testing and burner adjustment to manufacturer specs
✅ CO safety verification and documentation
✅ Cleaning and inspection of burners, exchangers, and venting
✅ Efficiency optimization to help lower your heating costs
This is why our maintenances take longer and cost a bit more than the “quick checks” some contractors advertise. But with Denommee, you know your system is being serviced completely—not just superficially.
Peace of Mind Memberships: Built-In Safety and Savings
To make it even easier, we offer Peace of Mind Service Program Memberships. Members get:
- Annual HVAC maintenances with combustion analysis always included
- Whole-home electrical and plumbing system assessments
- Waived dispatch fees ($99 value)
- Discounts on repairs and upgrades
- Priority scheduling and 24/7 emergency response
- Loyalty credits toward future system replacements
Starting at just $16.95/month, it’s an affordable way to ensure your home’s most important systems are properly maintained—not just checked.
👉 Learn more about our Peace of Mind Service Programs
Why Choose Denommee for Heating Maintenance in MA & NH?
- Licensed, trained, and EPA-certified technicians
- Local expertise in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire towns like Acton, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, and Nashua
- Flat-rate, upfront pricing with no hidden charges
- In-house electricians and plumbers for seamless, code-compliant service
- Google Guaranteed and Yelp top-rated for customer trust
Final Takeaway
A low-priced “tune-up” may look appealing, but when it comes to your heating system, you get what you pay for. Without combustion analysis, you can’t be sure your system is safe—or efficient.
At Denommee, we take the extra steps to protect your family, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your system. With combustion analysis built into every service visit, you’ll have confidence that your heating system is performing at its best.
📱 Text us at 857-226-9140 or visit denommeeplumbing.com to schedule your comprehensive heating maintenance today.
Denommee’s Unique Value for Homeowners
Peace of Mind Service Program Memberships
Our members enjoy annual heating maintenance that always includes combustion analysis. This means your system is checked for both safety and efficiency every single year.
Flat-Rate Pricing
Unlike time-and-materials contractors, Denommee quotes upfront, flat-rate pricing. No surprises if the job takes longer than expected.
In-House Expertise
With licensed electricians and plumbers on staff, we handle everything from wiring to venting adjustments—no subcontractor delays.
Trusted by Leading Manufacturers
We’re certified partners with Mitsubishi, Bosch, Viessmann, and more, which means our technicians follow factory standards on every service.
Proven Local Experience
Serving towns like Acton, Burlington, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, and Nashua, Denommee has decades of experience helping New England homeowners keep their heating systems safe, efficient, and reliable.
Why Combustion Analysis Belongs in Every Maintenance Visit
Skipping combustion analysis is like going to the doctor and never checking your blood pressure. The system might “seem fine,” but hidden risks could be lurking.
By including combustion analysis in all maintenance visits, Denommee ensures:
- Your family is safe from CO exposure
- Your heating bills are as low as possible
- Your system meets code and manufacturer standards
- You avoid unexpected breakdowns and repairs
Peace of Mind Memberships: Built for Safety & Savings
Denommee’s Peace of Mind Service Program Memberships go far beyond one-off maintenance visits. Members receive:
- Annual plumbing, HVAC, and electrical assessments
- Combustion analysis included with heating system maintenance
- Waived dispatch fees (a $99 value per visit)
- Priority service with 24/7 response
- Discounts on repairs and upgrades
- Loyalty credits toward future system replacements
With plans starting at just $16.95/month, it’s one of the most affordable ways to protect your home and your budget.
👉 Learn more about the Peace of Mind Service Program
Conclusion: Invest in Safety and Efficiency with Denommee
Combustion analysis isn’t just a technical step—it’s your assurance that your heating system is running safely, efficiently, and reliably. Unfortunately, many contractors skip it, leaving homeowners at risk.
At Denommee, it’s built into everything we do. Whether you heat with oil, propane, or natural gas, our team is trained, equipped, and ready to protect your home comfort investment.
📱 Ready to schedule your heating system maintenance with combustion analysis included?
Text us today at 857-226-9140 or visit denommeeplumbing.com to book your appointment.
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