The Importance of Proper Furnace Maintenance
Regular maintenance minimizes breakdowns and lowers winter energy costs by proactively addressing issues before they escalate into emergencies.
A furnace is one of the most important features of the home. Without it, getting through the cold of winter would be difficult. Along with providing warmth and comfort, the heat from the furnace also helps to reduce the potential for frozen pipes. These two reasons alone are enough to ensure that the system is inspected and maintained properly.
How Often Should the Furnace Be Checked?
While there is no real industry standard, at least one thorough annual inspection is a good idea. Many homeowners choose to call in a technician just before the weather begins to cool in autumn. The idea is to make sure the furnace is ready for full operation during the coming months. If this is not done, it's not too late. Go ahead and get it scheduled, as any time of year will work as long as the preferred furnace technician isn't overscheduled with emergency repairs.
What is Included in a Routine Furnace Inspection?
During an inspection, the technician will take a close look at all the moving parts in the furnace. This includes any belts, pulleys, or other components that undergo wear and tear during operation. The goal is to determine if the furnace needs a good cleaning, or if the time has come to replace some of the key parts.
In order to determine the status of many of those moving parts, the technician will first check for any type of build-up or residue. Once it is cleaned away, it is much easier to ascertain the true condition of those parts. For example, cleaning and tightening a belt will make it much easier to decide if it will last for another season, or if replacing it now is in the best interests of the homeowner.
Even after checking the blower, the motor, and the connections to the duct system, the technician will want to activate the furnace and listen for any unusual sounds. This will often help to clear up any doubts about the need to make further adjustments.
What Happens If Furnace Maintenance is Delayed?
Delaying the maintenance could increase the risk of a future system failure. By having an inspection done, the chances of a breakdown are minimized.
The proactive cleaning and replacement of worn parts translates into lower energy consumption during the winter. Taking care of repair issues early on also means that money is saved by avoiding more expensive repairs during the dead of winter and an emergency call at less opportune times.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.
