Many people would not survive winter without furnaces in their homes. These units keep them warm and comfortable when it is frigid outside. However, as with any mechanical unit, furnaces need regular maintenance to function correctly. Why is regular furnace maintenance crucial?
How Does a Furnace Work?
Furnaces distribute warm air throughout the home to keep it comfortable. They heat air and blow it through ducts to all rooms in the house. When they cannot do so, getting furnace repairs will be a priority.
Furnace Components
Furnaces have many working parts. The heat exchanger, blower motor, filters, and ignition system work together to provide warm air to the residence. When one part doesn’t work correctly, other parts may fail. Maintaining the system helps find problems early before they cause additional damage, leading to high repair costs.
The Importance of Furnace Maintenance
A regularly maintained furnace will operate more efficiently. Less energy is needed to produce heat and warm the home. The home is more sustainable and environmentally friendly, and the homeowner appreciates the decrease in energy costs.
Maintaining the furnace will increase its lifespan. A new furnace comes with a high price tag, so owners want to put off replacing the unit as long as possible. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan by allowing minor issues to be caught and corrected early before they cause significant damage and lead to the need for a replacement.
Homeowners must prioritize safety. Maintaining the furnace ensures potential safety hazards are identified and corrected. They also check the components for gas and carbon monoxide leaks, which can kill humans.
One benefit of furnace maintenance is improved indoor air quality. Clean filters and ducts remove more allergens from the air. This boost in air quality leads to a healthier living space. Respiratory issues are less common in homes with well-maintained furnaces.
A well-maintained furnace will not break down as often as one that is not cared for. The homeowner will save money by having this maintenance done, and the home will remain at a comfortable temperature.
Why Call a Professional?
Many homeowners try to maintain the furnace without calling in a professional. A homeowner can easily change the furnace filters. They don’t need specialized tools or experience to complete this task. However, intricate repairs require a professional to be called in. They have the skills, expertise, and tools to do the job right and ensure safe furnace operation.
Annual Inspections
Annual inspections allow technicians to catch and fix potential problems to prevent untimely breakdowns and costly repairs. Furthermore, the inspections ensure safety hazards are caught and corrected while optimizing the unit’s efficiency. Homeowners save money when they invest in these services.
Filter Replacements
Filters must be replaced regularly to keep the furnace running correctly. Replacing the filter improves indoor air quality, as a clean filter can trap more allergens than a dirty one. A clean filter improves the furnace’s efficiency, as a clogged or dirty filter forces the system to work harder. Filters also protect the furnace from dust and debris, so it lasts longer. Most households benefit from filter changes every one to three months, but the technician might recommend replacing them sooner after inspecting the furnace.
Schedule furnace maintenance today. When the technician arrives, ask them how often they recommend doing this maintenance. Based on what they find, they can provide additional information after they inspect the unit. Their advice is extremely valuable, so never discount what they say.