You may not realize it, but your HVAC system is a lot like your car. Just like you get your oil changed and air filter replaced in your car, there are some important maintenance things you need to take care of with your HVAC system. And just like with cars, if you don’t carry out regular furnace maintenance – it’ll break down.
If you own an older furnace, or you want to keep your energy bills as low as possible, it’s time to schedule an annual furnace tune-up.
How Often Should I Book an Annual Furnace Tune-Up?
A furnace tune-up is a preventive maintenance service that can help extend the life of your heating system. The service typically includes a thorough inspection of your equipment, including the blower and heat exchanger, as well as any electrical connections, ductwork, and fuel lines.
You may not realize it, but your HVAC system is a lot like your car. Just like you get your oil changed and air filter replaced in your car, there are some important maintenance things you need to take care of with your HVAC system. And just like with cars, if you don’t carry out regular furnace maintenance – it’ll break down.
If you own an older furnace, or you want to keep your energy bills as low as possible, it’s time to schedule an annual furnace tune-up.
How Often Should I Book an Annual Furnace Tune-Up?
A furnace tune-up is a preventive maintenance service that can help extend the life of your heating system. The service typically includes a thorough inspection of your equipment, including the blower and heat exchanger, as well as any electrical connections, ductwork, and fuel lines.
Truth is, there are several reasons why furnace maintenance is essential to keep your home cozy this winter –
- It helps prevent costly repairs. If your furnace runs inefficiently, it will use more energy than necessary and could cause damage to itself.
- Saves you money on heating bills. A poorly maintained system will affect how much energy it uses, so you’ll have higher heating costs throughout the year.
- Ensures safety for everyone in your home. A poorly maintained system may cause carbon monoxide poisoning if there are leaks in pipes or ductwork.
Signs it’s Time for Your Annual Furnace Tune-Up
Yes, you can carry out some simple furnace maintenance yourself. But if you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call the professionals for a complete furnace tune-up.
Energy Bills Have Gone Up
The furnace is one of the biggest energy-consuming appliances in your home. To prevent high bills, it’s important to make sure yours is running at peak efficiency.
A poorly maintained furnace can lead to higher energy bills by causing your system to break down more often or burn more fuel than necessary. The result is higher utility costs and less comfort in your home during winter.
There’s a Funny Smell
You notice a strange smell coming out of the vents or in your home. This could signify that you need to get your furnace serviced by a professional HVAC technician. The problem could be anything from a dirty filter to dangerous gases leaking into your home.
Heat is Patchy (Or There’s no Heat at All)
Your furnace works by circulating air throughout your home via ducts in the floor and ceiling. If the heat isn’t evenly distributed throughout your house, it could mean that your ducts are blocked or damaged. This could also be caused by poor airflow caused by dirty filters or vents. To correct this problem, have a professional clean your ducts and install new air filters.
Changing the Thermostat Makes No Difference
A faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to turn on and off too often. This causes the blower fan to work harder than it should and shortens the motor’s life.
- You keep adjusting the temperature multiple times throughout the day or night.
- The temperature doesn’t seem to change when you change the dials on your thermostat.
Pilot Light is Yellow or Orange
If the pilot light on your furnace is red or orange, it means that there’s a problem with the gas valve, and it’s not allowing gas to flow into the burners. The problem could be caused by a faulty thermocouple, which would require replacement. On the other hand, if the thermocouple is okay, you may have a faulty gas valve or control board. In both cases, it would be wise to contact an HVAC professional for assistance.
Furnace is Old
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. The longer you wait to get it serviced, the more likely you’ll need major repairs down the road — which can be expensive.
Booking a regular tune-up on an older system is worth it because –
- It will increase efficiency and lower your energy bills.
- A trained technician can spot potential problems before they happen, so you don’t have to worry about expensive repairs down the road.
- Regular maintenance will ensure your system works properly and efficiently.
Lower your energy bills and keep your furnace in top condition by booking furnace maintenance with the professionals at ASI.
