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. Being sure that 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 yearly task entails and why you shouldn’t neglect it.

What Is Included in Annual Furnace Maintenance?

A maintenance appointment is a surefire way to get your heating system ready for the cold months. Although the particular tasks depend on the design and age of your unit, you can generally expect your technician to perform the following:

• Inspect and clean the burner: In time, dirt and debris can block the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it restores ideal heat transfer.
• Test the gas valves: Making sure these valves are completely open and operating correctly is crucial for safe furnace operation.
• Check the heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s essential to make sure no cracks are present.
• Review and tighten electrical parts: Loose connections can make your HVAC unit hazardous and inefficient. The good thing is, tightening them is a fast and easy task.
• Clean the blower: A grimy blower impacts your furnace’s ability to distribute warm air through your home. Cleaning and balancing the fan assures appropriate airflow.
• Change the air filter: Clean air filters allow necessary airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a dirt-filled air filter in your furnace. Installing a fresh, new air filter also improves indoor air quality if you set up a filtration system.

Reasons to Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace seems to be running fine, is it still useful to set up a maintenance appointment? Here are some of the ways furnace maintenance is beneficial:

• Decrease mid-season malfunctions: Nothing is worse than waking up on a freezing winter morning to learn your furnace has stopped working. Sudden breakdowns are upsetting and can leave you scrambling to find a repairman. Annual furnace maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected problems because your service tech examines every part of your system, catching minor issues before they snowball into costly repairs.
• Lower repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the sooner you find a problem, the less expensive it is to correct. By investing in budget-friendly, predictable maintenance visits, you can avoid costly, inconvenient repairs, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Lengthen your furnace’s service life: Like a well-maintained car, a furnace that receives regular tune-ups will likely last longer than a neglected heating system. Annual maintenance saves you the expense of premature furnace replacement by increasing your system’s life span.
• Increase energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently. When all the parts are clean and in good working order, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your household warm. This reduces your power bills and cuts down your environmental impact.
• Enhance indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air intensifies allergies and respiratory problems. The air filter in your furnace collects dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants to reduce these conditions. During a maintenance visit, the HVAC tech will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air circulates through your home.
• Promotes safety: A failing furnace is not only inefficient, it also could be dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or faulty gas valves can lead to potentially deadly carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing your system has has received a thorough examination during routine maintenance should give you peace of mind this winter.

What Season Should You Plan Your Maintenance Visit?

To enjoy the most benefits, it’s best to arrange annual furnace maintenance in the fall before winter’s chill gets to your area. This gives you time to make sure any issues are resolved before you have to call heavily on your heating system.

DIY Furnace Maintenance Between Formal Visits

Though professional maintenance is essential, you can do several tasks yourself to keep your furnace running 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 exterior of the furnace with the brush attachment so it is clean.

Choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Furnace Maintenance in Fort Lauderdale

If it’s time for your next furnace maintenance appointment, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is a heating and cooling team you can rely on. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting answers to all your comfort issues. We’re proud to deliver solutions to everyone we can and are dedicated to making a big difference in your everyday life and sense of comfort. We even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to put your mind at ease. To make sure your furnace is ready for cold weather, call 954-736-4314 today to schedule furnace maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.