When fall comes around, forgetting about furnace maintenance can lead to many problems. Winter weather is often unpredictable. Even in Houston, it can make your home uncomfortable. A properly maintained heater kicks in and keeps you warm and cozy. However, a neglected unit may not. We’ll look at seven reasons not to forget about furnace maintenance for new homeowners or anyone who’s lived in their house for a while.
- Your Heating System Can Suddenly Break Down
- Furnace Maintenance Avoids Most Repairs
- Your Heater Will Be Safer to Operate
- Maintenance Increases Energy Efficiency
- A Well-Maintained Furnace Can Last Longer
- The Manufacturer’s Warranty Requires It
- Regular Heating Service Improves Indoor Air Quality
1. Your Heating System Can Suddenly Break Down
Cleaning the inside of a furnace, lubricating moving parts, making small repairs, and other maintenance steps help the unit run smoothly. Otherwise, small issues can strain the system until it stops working and you have no heating. This is one of many reasons HVAC professionals recommend scheduling maintenance before winter; a technician ensures the unit can handle high demand on cold days.
2. Furnace Maintenance Avoids Most Repairs
Some HVAC professionals say annual heating maintenance can prevent 85% of repairs. This means routine service avoids most major repair issues. It doesn’t guarantee your furnace will never need a fix-up, but it reduces the odds of spending thousands of dollars on a malfunction that could have been avoided.
3. Your Heater Will Be Safer to Operate
Skipping maintenance can lead to unsafe conditions. Gas furnaces are designed to run safely, but an unmaintained unit can develop combustion issues or gas leaks. A heating technician looks for problems that can cause a carbon monoxide leak or other health hazard. Another risk with a malfunctioning furnace is a fire. Therefore, having your furnace inspected and tuned up every year can eliminate worries about your family’s safety.
4. Maintenance Increases Energy Efficiency
Forgetting about furnace maintenance can also lead to higher energy bills. It’s hard to know if the unit is running efficiently unless it’s inspected by a trained eye. An issue that’s not obvious to you might be causing the unit to run longer or use more gas or electricity. A professional can find such a problem and make minor adjustments or repairs, which can keep energy costs low over time.
5. A Well-Maintained Furnace Can Last Longer
A furnace is one of the costlier investments in your home. Taking proper care of it can add years to its life. A well-maintained unit can last up to 20 years. Without annual maintenance or basic tasks like changing the filter or cleaning the area near your heater, it may not last half that long.
6. The Manufacturer’s Warranty Requires It
Furnace repairs can be expensive. While maintenance prevents most repairs, it also keeps the warranty valid. Neglecting to schedule furnace maintenance can void the warranty. Therefore, you’d have to pay for a major repair or to replace the unit. Skipping routine service won’t save you money. Your HVAC contractor’s maintenance plan costs far less than parts, labor, or a replacement.
7. Regular Heating Service Improves Indoor Air Quality
Regular heating maintenance can also reduce the amount of dust and debris in the system. When airborne particles get into it, they can keep recirculating in your home. Many of these can trigger allergies, while others can contribute to respiratory and other health issues. Fortunately, a furnace tune-up allows a technician to remove any debris that’s collected in the system.
What Does Professional Furnace Maintenance Entail?
Only a licensed technician should perform any task that requires accessing the inside of your furnace or disassembling any components. They can safely vacuum the burners, clean the blower and flue pipes, check gas pressure, lubricate moving parts, and inspect the fuel line, flame sensor, and pilot light. A contractor can also remove clogs from the condensate line and recommend repairs if any problems are found.
Contact Trilogy AC to Schedule Furnace Maintenance
We offer preventative maintenance to ensure your heating system works at peak performance and efficiency. Our membership plans include furnace inspections, service discounts, and priority service and scheduling. Trained and certified, our technicians clean heater components, evaluate electrical performance and perform various other tasks so your furnace runs smoothly. To schedule furnace maintenance in your home, contact us or call (832) 979-6089.
