None of us want to endure being left in the cold. We all desire a furnace that consistently keeps us warm when needed. Achieving this primarily hinges on having a dependable furnace technician on your side, but you still want to know how often your furnace should be serviced.
As the cold weather approaches, you should consider having yearly furnace maintenance done. Experts recommend conducting annual furnace inspections before winter sets in.
Such preventive maintenance ensures your furnace is working at peak efficiency. It also prevents untimely breakdowns when you need heat the most.
The Benefits of Annual Furnace Inspection and Maintenance
Performing an annual cleaning of your furnace offers several advantages. Preventive maintenance can extend your system’s lifespan, save energy, and reduce health risks.
Manufacturers advise inspecting and servicing the system’s cooling and heating systems each once a year, as part of yearly furnace maintenance. This can be done in the spring for air conditioning and in the fall for an HVAC system and furnaces.
Annual furnace cleaning is a crucial aspect of heating system maintenance. It can extend the life of an older furnace and help prevent major breakdowns in a new furnace. Neglecting annual maintenance is one of the primary causes of HVAC failures.
Schedule Your Furnace Cleaning in Summer
Fall is the peak season for most HVAC companies due to increased heating demands from most homeowners.
Schedule your preventative maintenance in late summer. This way, you can ensure your HVAC system is in top shape before the colder months arrive. You will be less likely to experience unexpected issues when you need to rely on your furnace the most.
Why You Should Keep Your Furnace Clean
Why should you get your furnace cleaned? You don’t want to face a sudden breakdown at the most inconvenient time, nor do you want to take your life in your hands.
To prevent sudden breakdowns
Experts say that around 75 percent of those “no-heat” emergency calls during winter are due to a lack of heating system maintenance. Imagine being left shivering in the cold because your gas furnace decided to stop working unexpectedly, especially if the fix is something as simple as changing a filter.
Having your gas furnace serviced regularly can help prevent such chilling surprises.
To safeguard your health
Keeping your house warm is not just about comfort. Having the gas furnace serviced is also connected to your well-being. Furnace tune-ups by HVAC technicians can uncover something really scary – carbon monoxide leaks.
This dangerous gas is colorless and odorless. It is nearly impossible to detect in the air on your own. Breathing in carbon monoxide can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, and death in severe cases.
Every year, more than 400 people lose their lives because of bad air quality due to exposure to large quantities of this dangerous gas. At least 15,000 Americans suffer from unintentional, non-fire-related CO exposure, according to CDC estimates.
In extreme cases, your furnace might get red-tagged because of major issues. This means your heating system can only be used once the gas furnace is again running smoothly.
If you are not certain whether you have your furnace running safely, don’t gamble your family’s well-being. Have HVAC experts inspect the heating system as soon as possible.
To save money in the long run
Remember, furnace maintenance is not just about safety. There are other benefits also, like avoiding major repairs such as a cracked heat exchanger. You can also see lower heating bills and energy costs.
However, your furnace cannot attain peak performance when you neglect cleaning it regularly, whether gas or electric. The furnace will have to work harder all winter long, be less energy efficient, and size up your monthly energy bills.
So it’s clear that regular furnace maintenance can keep you warm, safe, and more. It can even keep your wallet happy.
Understanding the Cost of Furnace Cleaning
Of course, upfront cost is always a concern. You are likely curious about the cost of gas furnace maintenance. Here is what you need to know about costs when you schedule a furnace cleaning.
Inspection charges
If you hire a company solely to inspect the furnace, you might have to pay a fee for the visit. A good idea is to ask if this fee can be applied to your bill when it’s time for furnace repair or a tune-up.
Average cleaning cost
On average, the cost for a furnace serviced falls in the range of $200 to $400. The technicians can ensure that your gas furnace is clean, safe, and running as efficiently as possible with peak performance.
Homeowners can expect these items to be checked during the furnace maintenance:
- Pilot light
- Air filter
- Flame sensor
- Blower wheel
- Electrical connections
- Heat exchanger
Problems that may create added charges
Common problems that could create additional costs are:
- Cracked heat exchanger
- Replacing pilot light
- Replacing a filter
- Duct cleaning
- Short cycling
- Damaged, clogged, or blocked lines/drains
Other problems that can create complications in furnaces are related to issues like mold spores and dust. These are unlikely to pose a fire hazard, but mold spores on a filter can affect air quality in your home. Dust can prevent a flame sensor from working even in newer furnaces.
Quick Tip for a Successful Maintenance Call
Before the HVAC technician arrives at your home, HVAC professionals suggest turning on the fan, heat, or air conditioning. Check all the registers to feel whether the air is blowing efficiently.
This simple step can save you money. It can help the professional diagnose any issues during the same maintenance call, such as problems with disconnected or damaged ducts.
Process of Yearly Furnace Cleaning
There are several tasks that a technician will perform during your annual cleaning. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when you have your furnace serviced.
Thermostat check
Maintenance technicians check the thermostat settings to ensure the entire system operates correctly, from the air filter to the heat exchanger. This ensures that your furnace will respond accurately to your temperature preferences.
Electrical inspection
Next, the technician can examine all the electrical connections and test the voltage on the various system components. This step is vital because it helps prevent any potential component failures in the future, ensuring your furnace runs correctly through winter.
Lubricating moving parts
Technicians can also lubricate the moving parts to keep your furnace working efficiently. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear, making your furnace last longer and operate quietly.
Condensate drain inspection
HVAC technicians can inspect the condensate drain for any obstructions. A blocked drain can lead to problems like leaks or water damage. It must remain clear and functioning properly so as not to waste energy and money.
By following this checklist, furnace maintenance technicians help ensure homeowners that his or her furnace remains in top-notch condition. Your gas furnace can keep your home warm during winter and comfortable throughout the year.
Ensure Your Furnace Stays in Its Best Shape by Scheduling a Furnace Service
Maverick Electric, Heating & Air is your go-to full-service electrical and HVAC provider in Northern California. We are here to hook you up with dependable heating services in Lincoln, Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and other NorCal areas.
You do not want to miss out on our dedication to great customer service and innovation. Call us today to schedule an appointment or ask us any questions you may have.
