Most HVAC professionals recommend servicing your furnace once a year, ideally in the fall before heating season begins. Doing so offers increased energy efficiency and may expand your furnace’s lifespan.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what annual preventative maintenance offers, plus why it’s the best way to save money in the long run. Read on to learn everything you need to know about furnace tune-ups.
Why Yearly Furnace Maintenance Is Essential
Your furnace works very hard during the winter season. After all, the Clearwater, FL, area can reach the low 50s in the winer, and it’s your furnace’s job to keep your family comfortable.
Annual furnace service can help prevent breakdowns at the worst possible time. There are also plenty of furnace tune-up benefits, including enhanced performance. Choosing to forego routine furnace maintenance will expose your family to worse air quality, too.
Key Benefits of Annual Furnace Service
We’ve already provided a few benefits above, but now we’ll take a closer look. If you compare these benefits to the cost of annual preventative maintenance, you’ll definitely save money overall.
Improved Safety
Modern furnaces have enhanced safety features to help ensure your family’s safety. You’ll gain protection against cracked heat exchangers, carbon monoxide risks, gas leaks and electrical hazards.
Lower Energy Costs
A tuned system, along with clean air filters, is the best way to reduce your energy costs. Your unit will become more efficient, which equals less expensive energy bills.
Extended Furnace Lifespan
Scheduling annual tune-ups is a proven way to add approximately five to 10 years to your furnace’s lifespan. The average life expectancy of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years, but a well-maintained unit can last for up to 30 years.
Better Indoor Comfort & Air Quality
Your indoor air quality affects each member of your home, especially those with allergies or asthma. Regular maintenance includes cleaning your ducts, filters and blowers to reduce dust, allergens and cold spots.
What’s Included in a Professional Furnace Service?
A furnace inspection checklist is a comprehensive guide for your HVAC professional. They’ll perform a thorough inspection of your furnace, including all components. Our furnace tune-up steps include:
- Inspect and clean heat exchanger
- Test pilot light or ignition system
- Check and adjust gas valve
- Clean burners and flame sensor
- Inspect venting and airflow
- Lubricate moving parts
- Replace or clean filters
- Test carbon monoxide levels
DIY Furnace Maintenance Between Professional Visits
There are certain furnace maintenance steps that you can take between your annual tune-ups. However, if a problem occurs, be sure to reach out to our experts right away for proven assistance.
- Replace filters every 1–3 months
- Clean vent covers and registers
- Check thermostat settings
- Test smoke and CO detectors monthly
- Keep furnace area clear of dust and clutter
Signs You’re Overdue for Furnace Service
We understand that life can be hectic. If you miss your annual maintenance appointment, though, it will increase your risk of facing the following issues.
- Higher energy bills
- Uneven heating or cold spots
- Strange noises or smells
- Yellow pilot light
- Furnace running constantly or short-cycling
FAQs About Furnace Maintenance
What happens if you don’t service your furnace?
Failure to get an annual furnace service causes a shorter lifespan, higher bills and safety hazards. Furthermore, you’ll experience poor air quality, reduced efficiency, increased breakdowns, etc. Instead of settling for costly repairs, choose a tune-up. That way, minor issues can be taken care of before they become bigger and more expensive.
How long does a furnace last with regular maintenance?
The typical lifespan of a furnace is approximately 15-20 years. Getting annual service may be able to extend your furnace’s lifespan, though, by five to 10 years. Therefore, a well-maintained system should last between 20 and 30 years.
Is it better to service your furnace in fall or spring?
Servicing your furnace in the fall makes the most sense. After all, getting an inspection before you begin using your system is always a good plan. If you’ve experienced a particularly cold season, though, it’s also nice to schedule a tune-up in the spring, too. Either way, your AC requires spring maintenance as well.
Schedule Your Furnace Service Annually With One Hour
Keep in mind that it’s vital to get a furnace tune-up at least once a year. This service should be performed during the fall and gets you ready to use your furnace again.
One Hour provides routine furnace maintenance throughout Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. We offer fast, high-quality service with a smile. Plus, we’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime.
Are you ready to schedule your annual furnace tune-up? Call One Hour today!