Why is fall furnace maintenance so essential?

As the colder weather begins to roll in and the days shorten, we know that winter is just around the corner. That’s why now is the best time to start paying attention to your furnace before you fire it up and depend on it during the coming months. Even though you may not give it much thought when it’s not winter, it’s essential to have your furnace inspected to ensure that it’s ready to operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.

To understand more about fall furnace maintenance and why it’s vital, here’s what you need to know.

Why is Furnace Maintenance Necessary?

You depend on your furnace to keep your home warm and cozy throughout those cold, harsh winter months. And the last thing that any homeowner wants to endure is an unexpected breakdown during sub-zero temperatures. That’s why preventative maintenance is necessary.

Similar to a vehicle, your furnace is a complex machine that requires some fine-tuning every so often to keep everything running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. And even though it can be easy to forget about it since it’s out of sight and out of mind, neglecting it can result in malfunctions which can force it to operate incorrectly while reducing the overall lifespan of the unit.

Remember, complex machines are much more vulnerable to blips and errors when they’re not regularly maintained. By having a qualified HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician perform annual preventative maintenance (before winter comes), you can drastically reduce the likelihood of experiencing any major problems or requiring costly repairs or replacements in the future.

How can Annual Furnace Maintenance Benefit me?

You may be wondering more about why furnace maintenance is necessary and if it’s really worth it. To help you understand the reasons why tune-ups are essential for your furnace, here are some of the main benefits.

• Keeps your Energy Usage low – Your HVAC system accounts for a significant portion of your energy usage, and when it’s neglected and unoptimized, it can require more to operate. This inevitably increases your energy usage and your utility bills each and every month. By having it looked at by a professional technician just once per year, you can dramatically reduce your energy consumption, which helps keep your costs lower.
• Increases Lifespan of System – Airflow plays a big role in keeping your furnace system working properly. As dust and debris accumulate in and around the unit and vents, it can restrict the airflow which causes more strain on the furnace. This can impact how it functions while reducing the lifespan of it at the same time.
• Reduced Repairs – Similar to a car, a yearly tune-up can reduce the frequency of repairs needed since your technician can identify any minor problems and address them well before they escalate into major ones.
• Keeps you and your Family Safe – Without maintenance each year, your HVAC unit can become a safety hazard to you and your family. The furnace, in particular, utilizes a combustion process that relies on precision to function safely. Issues with this process or any damage to the heat exchanges can end up releasing carbon monoxide gas into your home. A qualified technician will inspect the unit to ensure your system is operating safely.
• Reduce Likelihood of Equipment Failure – No homeowner wants to experience a frigid night or two if the furnace shuts off and starts to malfunction. Luckily, the likelihood of this happening is significantly lower when you have your system inspected each year.

Are there Maintenance tasks I can Perform?

There are some maintenance tasks that you can perform on your HVAC unit that can help it run smoothly:

• Replace or Change Air Filters – The air filters prevent particles and allergens from being dispersed throughout your home. Typically these should be changed every 2-3 months to ensure they’re not restricting airflow.
• Clean around the Unit – Any dirt and dust that’s lingering around your HVAC system should be cleaned regularly. Try to perform a thorough clean by getting into the crevices with a vacuum nozzle.
• Keep Vents Clear – The vents that disperse the airflow throughout your home should be cleaned regularly, especially if you have pets. Also, move any rugs or items that may block the airflow.

Beyond these three items, everything else should always be left to a qualified HVAC technician.

Remember, your furnace and entire HVAC unit is a complex system that includes many intricate parts. A technician who has the skills and tools to perform the right repairs and maintenance is essential for keeping your furnace running as efficiently and safely as possible.

Winter is coming – don’t wait until the winter to deal with your furnace. When you need to get your furnace maintenance handled, give us a call at Distinct Heating & Cooling. We can assist you with all of your HVAC needs.