Regular furnace servicing keeps your home warm and ready for when cold weather hits, while also helping you save money on energy bills.
A well-maintained furnace can cut heating costs by up to 30%. This can add up to impressive savings over time. Plus, servicing catches small issues before they become expensive problems.
Schedule your annual furnace maintenance now to ensure your system runs smoothly throughout winter. Trust a professional heating contractor to clean, inspect, and tune up your furnace to keep it in top shape.
Understanding Furnace Maintenance
Regular furnace maintenance keeps your heating system running safely and efficiently, saving you money and preventing breakdowns during cold weather.
Importance of Regular, Professional Heating Maintenance
Annual furnace service helps your system stay in peak condition for a long time while cutting energy bills by up to 30%. A well-maintained furnace is also safer, reducing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide leaks. Regular check-ups also catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems and reduce the chance of surprise breakdowns on cold winter nights.
Furthermore, proper maintenance keeps your warranty valid as many manufacturers require furnaces to be serviced annually to honor their guarantees.
Components of Furnace Maintenance
A full furnace tune-up includes several key tasks. First, an HVAC technician will clean or replace the air filter and check the blower motor and belt for any deterioration. Next, the technician will inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, followed by thermostat tests and recalibrating it if needed. Electrical connections will also be checked and secured to prevent failures.
Gas furnaces need extra attention and the technician will examine the gas pressure and look for leaks. They'll also clean the burners and test the pilot light or ignition system.
Your vents and ducts also need regular attention and cleaning them ensures your furnace works well and the air in your home is clean.
Health and Safety Considerations
Regular furnace servicing helps keep your home safe and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide, gas leaks, and other hazards.
Carbon Monoxide Risks
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas you can't see or smell and is released when fuel doesn't burn fully in your furnace. A well-maintained furnace is less likely to create carbon monoxide.
In addition to regular maintenance, you should install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Remember to test them monthly and change batteries yearly to keep your family safe.
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds you must leave your home immediately and call the emergency services from outside.
Detecting Gas Leaks
Gas leaks can cause fires or explosions so it is essential to know the the signs of a potential gas leak. A clear sign of a gas leak is a smell like rotten eggs or a hissing sound near gas lines.
If you suspect a leak you should switch off lights and appliances and leave your home. Then, when safely outside call your gas company for an emergency inspection.
Combustion Chamber Cleaning
The combustion chamber is where fuel burns in your furnace and a dirty chamber can cause insufficient heating and safety issues. A clean chamber ensures your furnace runs optimally and safely, minimizing the risk of carbon monoxide while improving indoor air quality.
During a checkup, the technician will clean the chamber by removing soot and debris. Regular cleaning helps to catch small problems before they escalate, avoiding costly repairs.
Common Furnace Problems and Solutions
Furnaces can face issues that disrupt their performance and being aware of common problems can help you address them quickly to avoid any loss of functionality.
Dealing With Short Cycling
Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off too often, wasting energy and placing excess strain on your heating system.
To avoid short cycling, check your thermostat settings to ensure they’re not too high. Then clean or replace your air filter as a clogged or dirty filter can cause overheating and trigger short cycling. If these steps don't work, you might have a faulty flame sensor or thermostat and you should call an expert to examine and replace old components.
Air Filter Maintenance
Your furnace's air filter is key to its health and helps your furnace run smoothly while keeping your home’s air clean. Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed, although a good filter may only need to be replaced every three months.
You may need to change the filter more regularly if you have pets, as hairs can result in it becoming blocked. Families with allergies may also benefit from frequent filter changes.
When buying a new filter, make sure it fits your furnace model as a correctly sized filter prevents air leaks and improves efficiency.
When to Consider Furnace Replacement
If your furnace is more than 15-20 years old, it is likely time for a replacement. Older furnaces tend to be less efficient and require more repairs. If your energy bills are also rising without explanation, your furnace may be inefficient and a new model could reduce costs.
Listen for unusual noises coming from your furnace such as banging, popping, or rattling sounds as this may indicate serious issues that warrant a replacement. Frequent breakdowns are another red flag and the cost of repeated fixes can add up quickly.
If you notice your home is not heated evenly and there are cold spots in certain rooms your furnace may no longer be distributing heat properly. You may also find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat but still feeling cold, suggesting your furnace is at the end of its lifespan.
Also, look at the color of your burner flame. It should be blue, if it's yellow, your furnace may be producing carbon monoxide.
The replacement cost can sometimes be offset, as upgrading to a more efficient model can help you qualify for rebates or tax credits. However, the long-term savings of an efficient system can ensure you see a quick return on investment.
Contact us today to schedule furnace maintenance and sure you’re ready for the coming winter.
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