The Value of 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 runs optimally this winter enhances your comfort, safety and peace of mind all season long.

Here’s a closer look at what this crucial yearly task entails and why you shouldn’t neglect it.

What Is Done During Routine Furnace Maintenance?

A maintenance call is a reliable way to get your heating system up to par. Although the particular tasks depend on the type and age of your unit, you can normally expect your technician to perform the following:

• Inspect and clean the burner: Over the years, dirt and debris can clog the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it maintains ideal 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 result in carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s crucial to check that no cracks are present.
• Assess 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 task.
• 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 makes certain that your home has appropriate airflow.
• Swap out the air filter: Clean air filters ensure necessary airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a dirty air filter in your furnace. Installing a clean, new air filter also increases indoor air quality if you set up a filtration system.

Reasons to Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace seems to be running fine, is it still useful to set up a maintenance tune-up? Consider these four reasons why the answer is a resounding “yes”:

• Reduce mid-season failures: Nothing is worse than waking up on a chilly winter morning to learn your furnace has stopped working. Sudden breakdowns are stressful and can leave you scrambling to find a repairman. Annual furnace maintenance lowers the chance of unexpected issues because your technician examines every part of your system, catching minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
• Less expensive repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the sooner you discover a problem, the less expensive it is to repair. By investing in budget-friendly, predictable maintenance visits, you can avoid high-priced, inconvenient repairs, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Maximize your furnace’s life span: Like a well-maintained car, a furnace that receives routine tune-ups will most likely last longer than an unattended heating system. Annual maintenance saves you the expense of untimely furnace replacement by adding years to your system’s life span.
• Increase energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system operates 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 comfortable. This reduces your heating bills and lessens your environmental impact.
• Healthier indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air worsens allergies and respiratory issues. The air filter in your furnace captures dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants to reduce these problems. During a maintenance visit, the heating professional will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air moves through your home.
• Increases safety: A furnace that needs repair is not only inefficient, it also could be dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or broken gas valves can cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing your system has been inspected for any possible safety issues should give you a sense of comfort this winter.