When it comes to home comfort, a well-functioning heating system is key. Homeowners looking to beat the cold of winter need a system that’s efficient and dependable.
Many homes across the country have a furnace installed as their primary heat source. For this reason, knowing what it takes to extend the lifespan of a home’s furnace can bring a lot of benefits to homeowners!
The best way to make sure a furnace lasts for its full lifespan (usually 15 to 20 years) is to invest in regular furnace maintenance. Keeping up with inspections and repairs is a sure way to keep a home comfortable year-round!
The Many Benefits of a Well-Maintained Furnace
Furnace maintenance is more than just something to check off the to-do list. It’s an active approach to keeping a furnace reliable, safe, and efficient at all times.
Homeowners who make regular furnace maintenance a priority will enjoy a much more comfortable environment. They’ll also enjoy more accurate thermostat settings.
Another major benefit of furnace maintenance is improved air quality in the home. Having professionals perform furnace maintenance annually is a good way to keep allergens and particles like mold, mildew, dust, bacteria, pollen, and pet dander out of the air.
How Often Should I Have Furnace Maintenance Performed?
It’s recommended that homeowners schedule a furnace maintenance appointment at least once a year. Having a furnace inspected annually ensures the system is running smoothly when you need it most. It also ensures that air quality in the home is optimal.
Having a furnace maintenance appointment scheduled before winter hits is ideal. Maintenance performed in the fall is a good way to check that the furnace is ready to handle the task of keeping up with lower temperatures.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Understanding how a furnace maintenance appointment works can give homeowners a better idea of why keeping up with furnace maintenance is so important over the short and long term.
These inspections are a good chance for professional technicians to pinpoint any potential problems with a furnace early on. This gives homeowners an opportunity to stay ahead of costly replacements!
During your appointment, technicians can also provide homeowners with peace of mind. They’ll usually offer a follow-up report that details the condition of the furnace and details its functionality, outlining any recommended repairs.
Essential Elements of a Maintenance Appointment
A furnace maintenance appointment is more than a brief look at the heating system. It’s a thorough check of all of the essential system components.
During a visit, the technician will take time to clean and lubricate furnace parts to ensure efficiency at every turn. Components will also be tested for quality and functionality during an appointment as needed.
During a furnace maintenance appointment, technicians will also examine the furnace blower and the blower motor. The amp draw will be tested on the motor, and any surrounding debris will be removed.
Technicians will take time to check the heat exchanger for potential damage. They will also inspect the vent system and air intake grilles.
Any blockages will be removed during an appointment. The burner and flame sensor will be evaluated, too.
Inspecting and tightening electrical connections is an important part of the process. If any electrical components are damaged beyond repair, homeowners will be made aware of replacement requirements.
Keeping homeowners safe is the primary goal of a furnace maintenance appointment. To that end, technicians will make sure to check and test the furnace system’s safety controls. They’ll also evaluate the startup cycle and note any discrepancies.
Examining furnace belts for cracks or other points of damage is an integral part of the inspection process. Additionally, technicians will evaluate the home’s thermostat and calibrate it accordingly if it’s needed.
A technician will also take a close look at all moving parts in your heating system. They’ll set aside time to carefully check the air filter. They may clean or replace the filter, if needed.
Homeowners who have a gas or oil furnace will likely see a few extra steps added to the appointment process. This could include a technician testing gas pressure, evaluating the burner, and examining the pilot light.
A gas or oil furnace will also require an inspection of the thermocouple, along with a careful examination of fuel lines to spot any leaks or damage.
Call the Local Furnace Experts Today
When it’s time to schedule your annual appointment, the team at Paul the Plumber is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our services or to schedule your maintenance visit. We can’t wait to hear from you!
