When it comes to your furnace, you can’t be too careful. With regular upkeep and maintenance, you can make sure your furnace stays in optimal working condition to give you long-lasting service through the colder months. Starting now will ensure your furnace is ready to go when you need it.
1. Avoid Unnecessary Repairs
You may think you can just wait till your furnace gives you a problem before fixing it, and you could, but you’d be taking a big risk on hassle and expense. A repair can end up costing you hundreds of dollars or more, whereas maintenance isn’t as costly, plus it gives you peace of mind. Neglecting annual maintenance means you risk the safety of everyone in the home and you risk doing further damage to your furnace unit.
2. Ensure Peak Efficiency
Another major reason you should have a professional perform regular furnace maintenance is to make sure your unit operates at optimal efficiency through the winter. Through cleaning and servicing of all parts, your HVAC expert can inspect the unit for any leaks that can pose a safety threat to your household.
3. Cost Savings
With the cost of hiring a pro to service your furnace typically costing less than $100, you’re making an affordable choice for tune-ups considering the cost of a whole new unit can be between $2000 and $10,000 or more when you add in the associated costs of removing the old furnace, etc. Regular maintenance can help you avoid shortening the lifespan of your furnace. Small malfunctions that you don’t catch right away can eat away at the unit, causing a decrease in its overall life expectancy.
4. Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, carbon monoxide is deadly. If you have a gas furnace, typically carbon monoxide vents to the outdoors. However, if your furnace is clogged or dirty, that gas can back up inside the home and can be deadly. Your licensed heating professional will perform the following checks as part of routine maintenance:
- Cracks in combustion chamber
- Inadequate airflow
- Improper ventilation and gas pressure
- Malfunctioning safety devices
5. Lower Your Energy Bills
Inefficient furnaces tend to use up a lot more energy than they should just to keep up with the heating demands you place on it. In summer when you’re not using the furnace, it builds up with dirt and dust, which clogs the internal workings of the unit. Improper air flow makes the unit work overtime to achieve the same results; therefore, you’re paying higher energy bills for no reason.
6. Keep Your Manufacturer’s Warranty Intact
Avoiding regular maintenance by a licensed professional can void the manufacturer’s warranty, so if your unit needs repair and wasn’t regularly inspected by a professional, you are left with the bill that results.