The days are starting to cool, and with Halloween fast approaching, that means we can give the AC a break and get the furnace ready for the winter season.
We rely heavily on our heating systems in certain areas, and their dependable operation is essential in maintaining our health and safety until spring. Scheduling furnace maintenance before the cold hits is crucial to avoid unwanted surprises when you crank up the heat.
If you’ve been waiting on your annual inspection and service, this article will explain the benefits of contacting your local furnace maintenance service to assess your system.
What to Expect During Furnace Maintenance Service
When you’re ready to schedule your first furnace maintenance call, look for NATE-certified technicians in your area. With a NATE certification, a technician shows that they have undergone extensive training on the latest technology, practices, and regulations. You can be confident that your servicer has the detailed knowledge needed to keep your furnace working and your family safe and comfortable.
During your fall furnace inspection and tune-up, you can expect your technician to perform the following steps:
- Replace air filters and check the ductwork
- Inspect electrical wiring and tighten connections
- Check air blowerÂ
- Examine fuel lines and connections
- Clean burners, sensors, and combustion chamber
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Calibrate air-fuel ratio and gas pressure
- Check safety mechanisms
- Lubricate motor and adjust belts
- Inspect fuel lines and fuel levels
- Check carbon monoxide levels
- Test and calibrate thermostat
Having two inspections annually, one in the spring and one in the fall is the best way to maintain your HVAC system. Sticking to a strict maintenance schedule will improve the quality of life around the house in several ways. For emergency hvac repair Las Vegas area, you can always rely on Techcool.
Furnace Maintenance Benefits
A furnace working at peak efficiency is ideal for obvious reasons. When you take preventative steps, you minimize the risk of a sudden and unexpected breakdown.
Even if your furnace performs fine all winter, you’re still doing yourself a disservice by not getting a tune-up before the first cold snap. Annual furnace maintenance service does more to help you than simply preventing system failure.
It Saves You Money
Avoiding expensive repair bills is the ultimate reward for investing in furnace maintenance. After all, a furnace maintenance cost of $100 is much more preferable than a $500 repair bill.
But even if you don’t need a full-blown repair or replacement, your furnace could still be costing you more than it should. When your motor isn’t oiled, your belts aren’t tightened, and your sensors aren’t clean, you make all of your furnace parts work harder.
Checking all of your system components ensures they’re clean, aligned, and operating smoothly. They’ll end up drawing less energy to maintain a consistent temperature, and you’ll see the difference in your utility bills.
When you have a less efficient system, it also tends to run longer cycles to maintain the right temperature. When you want to save on the cost of fuel, having a system that quickly heats a home is ideal.
It’s Good for Your Health
Indoor air quality is an essential consideration for the health of your family. People with allergies or asthma could suffer from dust, pollen, pet dander, or mold that circulate around the house.
When a technician performs their inspection, they’ll check and replace your air filters and assess any issues with the ductwork. Your HVAC system will blow fewer contaminants around the home, helping everyone breathe easier.
It Keeps Your Family Safe
Your furnace’s operation and the gasses involved must be carefully managed to keep your home and its occupants safe. The main concern is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be caused by furnace malfunctions that allow the odorless gas to sneak into living spaces.
A cracked heat exchanger, poor ventilation, or system leaks can all contribute to a dangerous build-up and release of carbon monoxide. A furnace maintenance technician will not only assess and correct any of these problems but also supply carbon monoxide detectors and advice on staying safe.
With a gas furnace, a more obvious concern for many homeowners is the potential for a fire to break out. Central heating systems cause more than 1 out of 10 heating-related house fires. Furnace maintenance service will ensure that sensors, gas lines, and air channels are clear of dust and debris, preventing the chance of a house fire.
It Extends Your Furnace’s Life
An efficient furnace takes less time to warm your home. You put less wear on your system by running it for shorter periods, making it usable for longer. And when you calibrate, lubricate, and tighten all of your components, you save them from the accelerated wear that comes from neglect.
Tips for Maintaining Your Furnace
Furnace maintenance service at least once a year is the best way to extend the life of your system and ensure peace of mind that it will run all season without issue. Still, there are several ways that you can maintain your furnace on your own as well.
Change Air Filters
The best furnace maintenance habit is also the easiest — changing your filters. With clean filters, you get to enjoy several benefits, including:
- Improved furnace efficiency
- Lower utility bills
- Better indoor air quality
- Reduced risk of fire
Filters should be changed every 30-90 days, or whenever you notice they’re dirty. Buying in bulk can save you time and money, especially when you buy through discount services like Discount Filter. Check your filter type and see their furnace filters to get a set for the season.
Reduce Heat Loss
You can make your furnace work less by making its job easier. Checking your house’s insulation and searching for drafty areas can help your house retain heat. Here are some ideas to help you keep the heat where it belongs:
- Add wall and attic insulation
- Close air registers in unused rooms
- Caulk around doors
- Put weather-stripping on doors
- Use draft snakes
- Keep furniture from covering registers and air intakes
- Close the fireplace flue when not in use
You can also have an energy audit. Your HVAC technician may be able to find opportunities to improve efficiency around the house.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance Service Today
The days are only going to get colder, and the sooner you inspect and test your furnace, the better. Keeping your furnace in peak condition takes a small investment but can save you from enormous headaches. Schedule your furnace maintenance service to make your home safe, efficient, and welcoming this winter season.Â
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