Reasons to Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

As the temperature dips and you find yourself reaching for the thermostat more and more, you should also reach for your phone to arrange annual furnace maintenance. Being sure that your furnace runs optimally this winter enhances your comfort, safety and peace of mind all season long.

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

What Does Furnace Maintenance Involve?

A maintenance appointment is an easy way to get your heating system ready for the cold months. Although the exact tasks depend on the brand and age of your unit, you can usually expect your technician to perform the following:

Examine and clean the burner: Over time, dirt and debris can obstruct the burner, affecting its performance. Cleaning it restores optimal heat transfer.
Test the gas valves: Ensuring these valves are completely open and working correctly is crucial for safe furnace operation.
Examine the heat exchanger: A cracked heat exchanger can result in carbon monoxide leaks, so it’s crucial to ensure no cracks are present.
Evaluate and tighten electrical elements: Loose connections can make your HVAC unit hazardous and inefficient. Thankfully, tightening them is a fast and easy job.
Clean the blower: A grimy blower impacts your furnace’s ability to distribute warm air through your home. Cleaning and balancing the fan ensures the best airflow.
Change the air filter: Clean air filters allow necessary airflow throughout your system, which is why you should always replace a clogged air filter in your furnace. Installing a fresh, new air filter also increases indoor air quality if you choose an effective filtration system.

Reasons to Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

If your furnace looks like it is running fine, is it still worthwhile to set up a maintenance visit? Here is why that’s the case:

Reduce mid-season failures: There are few more disheartening ways to start the day than waking up on a cold winter morning to discover 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 issues because your heating specialist inspects every part of your system, catching minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Lower repair costs: It’s a simple equation—the sooner you discover a problem, the less expensive it is to fix. By investing in affordable, predictable maintenance visits, you can avoid high-priced, 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 an ignored heating system. Annual maintenance helps you avoid the expense of early furnace replacement by lengthening your system’s life span.
Raise energy efficiency: A well-maintained heating system runs 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 residence warm. This reduces your power bills and cuts down your environmental impact.
Enhance indoor air quality: Polluted indoor air intensifies allergies and respiratory problems. The air filter in your furnace catches dust, pollen and other airborne particles to reduce these issues. During a maintenance visit, the technician will change the air filter at your request, ensuring cleaner air moves through your home.
Boosts safety: A malfunctioning furnace is not only inefficient, it’s also potentially dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or broken 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.

When Should You Schedule Your Maintenance Visit?

To reap the most benefits, it’s best to plan annual furnace maintenance in the fall before winter’s chill arrives. This gives you time to make sure any issues are resolved before you need to rely heavily on your heating system.

Do-It-Yourself Furnace Maintenance Between Appointments

Although professional maintenance is vital, you can perform several tasks yourself to make sure your furnace operates smoothly between visits:

Switch out the air filter every 30 to 90 days to optimize airflow.
Keep all return and supply registers open and unobstructed for system balance.
Vacuum the exterior of the furnace with the brush attachment to keep it clean.

Choose Fras-Air/General Service Experts for Furnace Maintenance in Hillsborough

If it’s time for your next furnace maintenance visit, Fras-Air/General Service Experts is a name you can trust. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your furnace and air conditioning problems. We’re proud to deliver solutions to everyone we can and strive to make a significant difference in your everyday life and sense of comfort. We even offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to put your mind at ease. To set your heating system up for success this winter, call 908-448-2154 today to schedule furnace maintenance with Fras-Air/General Service Experts.