The Value of Annual Furnace Maintenance

As the temperature drops and you find yourself reaching for the thermostat more often, you should also reach for your phone to set up annual furnace maintenance. Ensuring your furnace operates at peak efficiency this winter increases your comfort, safety and peace of mind all season long.

Here’s more about what this crucial preventive task entails and why you shouldn’t neglect it.

What Is Included in Annual Furnace Maintenance?

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

• Examine and clean the burner: Over time, dirt and debris can clog the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it brings back the best possible heat transfer.
• Test the gas valves: Confirming these valves are fully open and operating properly is crucial for safe furnace operation.
• Examine the heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s crucial to check that no cracks are present.
• Assess and tighten electrical components: Loose connections can make your HVAC unit unsafe and inefficient. Fortunately, tightening them is a fast and easy job.
• Clean the blower: A grimy blower has an effect on your furnace’s ability to circulate warm air through your home. Cleaning and balancing the fan assures the best airflow.
• Replace the air filter: Clean air filters allow necessary airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a clogged air filter in your furnace. Installing a brand-new air filter also boosts indoor air quality if you set up a filtration system.

Why It’s Helpful to Schedule Routine Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace looks like it is running fine, is it still beneficial to schedule a maintenance appointment? Here is why that’s the case:

• Decrease mid-season failures: There are few more disheartening ways to start the day than waking up on a freezing winter morning to discover your furnace has stopped working. Unexpected breakdowns are upsetting and can leave you scrambling to find a repairman. Annual furnace maintenance lowers the risk of unexpected issues because your technician examines every part of your system, catching minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.
• Lower repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the quicker you discover a problem, the less expensive it is to correct. By investing in affordable, planned maintenance visits, you can avoid expensive, inconvenient repairs, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Increase your furnace’s life span: Like a well-maintained car, a furnace that receives routine tune-ups will probably last longer than an ignored heating system. Annual maintenance helps you avoid the expense of early furnace replacement by lengthening your system’s life span.
• Raise energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system works 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 lowers your heating bills and diminishes your environmental impact.
• Better indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air aggravates allergies and respiratory diseases. The air filter in your furnace collects dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants to reduce these conditions. During a maintenance appointment, the technician will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air circulates through your home.
• Boosts safety: A furnace that needs repair is not only inefficient, it’s also potentially dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or faulty gas valves can lead to harmful carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing your system has been inspected for any possible safety issues should give you peace of mind this winter.

What Time of Year Should You Plan Your Maintenance Visit?

To reap the most benefits, it’s best to plan annual furnace maintenance in the fall before winter’s chill gets to your area. This is a way to make sure any issues are addressed before you begin relying heavily on your heating system.

Do-It-Yourself Furnace Maintenance Between Tune-Ups

Although professional maintenance is important, you can do several tasks yourself to make sure your furnace operates smoothly between visits:

• Replace the air filter every 30 to 90 days to maximize airflow.
• Make sure all of your return and supply registers are open and unblocked 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 tune-up, 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 comfort dilemmas. We’re proud to deliver solutions to everyone we can and strive to make a meaningful difference in your everyday life and sense of comfort. We even give our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can feel even more comfortable. To set your heating system up for success this winter, call 866-397-3787 today to schedule furnace maintenance with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.