Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance

As the temperature dips and you find yourself reaching for the thermostat more frequently, you should also reach for your phone to schedule annual furnace maintenance. Ensuring your furnace runs optimally this winter increases your comfort, safety and peace of mind all season long.

Here’s more about what this crucial annual task includes and why you shouldn’t neglect it.

What Is Included in Annual Furnace Maintenance?

A maintenance appointment is an easy way to get your heating system up to par. Although the exact tasks depend on the type and age of your furnace, you can normally expect your technician to perform the following:

• Examine and clean the burner: In time, dirt and debris can clog the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it restores optimal heat transfer.
• Test the gas valves: Ensuring these valves are fully open and performing effectively 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.
• Assess and tighten electrical parts: Loose connections can make your furnace hazardous and inefficient. Fortunately, tightening them is a fast and easy task.
• Clean the blower: A grimy blower impacts your furnace’s ability to circulate warm air around your home. Cleaning and balancing the fan assures the best airflow.
• Swap out the air filter: Clean air filters allow necessary airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a dirty air filter in your furnace. Installing a fresh, new air filter also boosts indoor air quality if you install an efficient enough filtration system.

Why It’s Helpful to Schedule Routine Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace seems to be running fine, is it still beneficial to arrange a maintenance visit? Consider these four reasons why the answer is a resounding “yes”:

• Decrease mid-season malfunctions: There are few more disheartening ways to start the day than waking up on a chilly winter morning to find your furnace has stopped working. Mid-season breakdowns are upsetting and can leave you scrambling to find a repairman. Annual furnace maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected difficulties because your service tech looks over every part of your system, catching minor issues before they snowball into costly repairs.
• Less expensive repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the earlier you find a problem, the less expensive it is to correct. By investing in reasonably priced, scheduled maintenance visits, you can avoid expensive, inconvenient repairs, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Increase your furnace’s life expectancy: Like a well-maintained car, a furnace that receives regular tune-ups will probably last longer than a neglected heating system. Annual maintenance helps you avoid the expense of untimely furnace replacement by lengthening your system’s life span.
• Increase energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently. When all the components are clean and in good working order, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your residence warm. This reduces your heating bills and cuts down your environmental impact.
• Enhance indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air worsens allergies and respiratory problems. The air filter in your furnace catches dust, pollen and other airborne particles to reduce these conditions. During a maintenance appointment, the technician will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air flows through your home.
• Promotes safety: A malfunctioning furnace is not only inefficient, it’s also potentially dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or faulty gas valves can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing your system has been inspected for any possible safety issues should give you peace of mind this winter.

What Time of Year Should You Plan Your Maintenance Visit?

To enjoy the most benefits, it’s best to schedule annual furnace maintenance in the fall before winter’s chill sets in. This ensures that any issues are addressed before you need to rely heavily on your heating system.

At-Home Furnace Maintenance Between Appointments

Though professional maintenance is essential, you can perform several tasks yourself so that your furnace runs smoothly between visits:

• Change the air filter every 30 to 90 days to maximize airflow.
• Keep all return and supply registers open and unblocked for system balance.
• Vacuum the surface of the furnace with the brush attachment to make sure it stays clean.

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

If it’s time for your next furnace maintenance visit, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is an HVAC company you can rely on. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting fixes for all your furnace and air conditioning issues. We’re proud to deliver solutions to our customers and are dedicated to making a big difference in your life and sense of comfort. We even provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind. 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.