The Value of Annual Furnace Maintenance

As the temperature falls and you find yourself reaching for the thermostat more frequently, you should also reach for your phone to set up annual furnace maintenance. Making sure 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 entails and why you shouldn’t neglect it.

What Is Included in Annual Furnace Maintenance?

A maintenance call is a reliable way to get your heating system ready for the cold months. Although the specific tasks depend on the type and age of your unit, you can generally expect your technician to perform the following:

• Check and clean the burner: In time, dirt and debris can block the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it maintains optimal heat transfer.
• Test the gas valves: Confirming these valves are totally open and operating effectively is crucial for safe furnace operation.
• Look over the heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s crucial to make sure no cracks are present.
• Evaluate and tighten electrical components: Loose connections can make your HVAC unit hazardous and inefficient. The good thing is, tightening them is a fast and straightforward process.
• Clean the blower: A grimy blower impacts your furnace’s ability to distribute warm air around your home. Cleaning and balancing the fan assures optimal airflow.
• Replace the air filter: Clean air filters allow proper airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a dirt-filled air filter in your furnace. Installing a brand-new air filter also increases indoor air quality if you set up a filtration system.

Why You Should Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace looks like it is running fine, is it still helpful to schedule a maintenance tune-up? Here is why that’s the case:

• Reduce mid-season malfunctions: Few things are more discouraging than waking up on a freezing winter morning to learn your furnace has stopped working. Unexpected breakdowns are aggravating and can leave you scrambling to find someone to fix it. Annual furnace maintenance lowers the risk of unexpected problems because your heating specialist inspects every part of your system, catching minor issues before they grow into costly repairs.
• Lower repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the earlier you discover a problem, the less expensive it is to fix. By investing in budget-friendly, predictable maintenance visits, you can avoid high-priced, inconvenient repairs, keeping more money in your pocket.
• Lengthen your furnace’s service life: Like a well-maintained car, a furnace that receives regular tune-ups will probably last longer than an unattended heating system. Annual maintenance helps prevent the expense of untimely furnace replacement by increasing your system’s life span.
• Increase energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system runs a lot more efficiently. When all the parts are clean and in good working order, your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cozy. This decreases your energy bills and diminishes your environmental impact.
• Healthier indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air aggravates allergies and respiratory issues. The air filter in your furnace traps dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants to reduce these conditions. During a maintenance appointment, the heating professional will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air circulates through your home.
• Increases safety: A failing furnace is not only inefficient, there’s a chance it also might be dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or defective gas valves can cause harmful carbon monoxide leaks. Knowing your system has been inspected for any possible safety issues should give you a sense of comfort this winter.

What Time of Year Should You Schedule Your Maintenance Visit?

To experience the most benefits, it’s best to schedule annual furnace maintenance in the fall before winter’s chill arrives. This is a way to make sure any issues are addressed before you begin relying heavily on your heating system.

At-Home Furnace Maintenance Between Formal Visits

Though professional maintenance is vital, you can complete several tasks yourself to keep your furnace running smoothly between visits:

• Change the air filter every 30 to 90 days to optimize airflow.
• Make sure all of your return and supply registers are open and free of obstructions for system balance.
• Vacuum the surface of the furnace with the brush attachment to keep it clean.

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

If it’s time for your next furnace maintenance tune-up, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is a name you can count on. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your comfort dilemmas. We’re proud to deliver solutions to everyone we can and focus on making a big difference in your life and sense of comfort. We even give our customers a 100% satisfaction guarantee for your peace of mind. To set your heating system up for success this winter, call 954-736-4314 today to schedule furnace maintenance with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.