Reasons to Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

As the temperature dips and you find yourself reaching for the thermostat more and more, you should also reach for your phone to arrange annual furnace maintenance. Ensuring your furnace is at its best this winter increases your comfort, safety and peace of mind all season long.

Here’s a little more about what this crucial yearly task involves and why you shouldn’t neglect it.

What Does Furnace Maintenance Involve?

A maintenance call is a reliable way to get your heating system in good shape. Although the particular tasks depend on the type and age of your furnace, you can typically expect your technician to complete the following:

• Inspect and clean the burner: Over the years, dirt and debris can block the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it maintains ideal heat transfer.
• Test the gas valves: Ensuring these valves are fully open and operating properly is crucial for safe furnace operation.
• Examine the heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can cause carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s crucial to check that no cracks are present.
• Evaluate and tighten electrical parts: Loose connections can make your HVAC unit hazardous and inefficient. The good thing is, tightening them is a fast and simple job.
• Clean the blower: A grungy blower impacts your furnace’s ability to distribute warm air throughout your home. Cleaning and balancing the fan ensures optimal airflow.
• Change the air filter: Clean air filters ensure necessary airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a dirt-filled air filter in your furnace. Installing a clean, new air filter also boosts indoor air quality if you set up a filtration system.

Why It’s Helpful to Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace seems to be running fine, is it still worthwhile to arrange a maintenance visit? Consider these four reasons why the answer is a resounding “yes”:

• Reduce mid-season malfunctions: Few things are more discouraging than waking up on a cold winter morning to discover your furnace has stopped working. Unexpected breakdowns are upsetting and can leave you scrambling to find a quick fix. Annual furnace maintenance lowers the likelihood of unexpected problems because your service tech inspects every part of your system, catching minor issues before they grow into costly repairs.
• Reduced repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the sooner you catch a problem, the less expensive it is to repair. By investing in reasonably priced, scheduled maintenance visits, you can avoid costly, inconvenient repairs, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Lengthen your furnace’s service life: Like a well-maintained car, a furnace that receives annual tune-ups will probably last longer than an ignored heating system. Annual maintenance helps you avoid the expense of untimely furnace replacement by increasing your system’s life span.
• Increase energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system operates a lot more efficiently. When all the elements are clean and in good working order, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your residence warm. This reduces your energy bills and lessens your environmental impact.
• Better indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air intensifies allergies and respiratory problems. The air filter in your furnace collects dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants to reduce these issues. During a maintenance tune-up, the technician will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air circulates through your home.
• Increases safety: A furnace that needs repair is not only inefficient, there’s a chance it also might be dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or defective gas valves can cause potentially deadly carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing your system has been inspected for any possible safety issues should give you a sense of comfort this winter.

When Should You Set up Your Maintenance Visit?

To reap the most benefits, it’s best to arrange annual furnace maintenance in the fall before winter’s chill sets in. This gives you time to make sure any issues are attended to before you have to call heavily on your heating system.

Do-It-Yourself Furnace Maintenance Between Formal Visits

Although professional maintenance is essential, you can do several tasks yourself so that your furnace runs smoothly between visits:

• Change the air filter every 30 to 90 days to increase airflow.
• Make sure all of your return and supply registers are open and unobstructed for system balance.
• Vacuum the outside of the furnace with the brush attachment so it is clean.

Choose Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Furnace Maintenance in the U.S.

If it’s time for your next furnace maintenance visit, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is a name you can count on. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your furnace and air conditioning problems. We’re proud to deliver solutions to our community and strive to make a big difference in your lifestyle and sense of comfort. We even provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can feel even more comfortable. To make sure your furnace is ready for cold weather, call 866-397-3787 today to schedule furnace maintenance with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.