Why Should You Get Your Furnace Checked Before Winter?
It won’t be long before winter arrives. One way to prepare for the heating season is to schedule an HVAC service visit. You want your furnace to be in top shape before you actually need to use it. A professional inspection can help ensure that your equipment can handle the cold in the dead of winter.
Read on to discover reasons you should have your furnace checked before winter.
Why Get Your Furnace Checked Before Winter?
To enhance your furnace’s safety: When you get your furnace checked, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it’s operating safely. Modern furnaces are safe, but they do present risks. Your technician will perform various tests to make certain your furnace isn’t leaking carbon monoxide and that there’s no risk of fire.
Furnaces generate heat through burning fuel, which is why it’s essential to be sure the combustion process is efficient. Problems with your furnace can result in a gas leak, which can be dangerous. There’s also the risk of carbon monoxide leaks with poorly-maintained furnaces. This type of gas is harder to detect because it doesn’t have a color and odor. You can eliminate these risks by having your furnace routinely inspected.
To improve your equipment’s efficiency: Getting your furnace routinely checked can help ensure it stays efficient all-year-round. With a faulty or inefficient furnace, your energy bills will increase. Your HVAC contractor will inspect your equipment and make sure that it’s in good condition. A skilled heating installation and maintenance expert also knows how to properly perform necessary repairs and recommend ways to improve your furnace’s efficiency.
To reduce energy costs: A properly-maintained heating system functions faster and performs better without exerting too much effort. When your furnace doesn’t need to work as hard to reach the desired temperature, it doesn’t consume or waste as much energy, meaning you can save on your monthly utility bills. According to studies, regular maintenance can reduce your energy costs by up to 30 percent. To save more energy, you can invest in a programmable thermostat.
To minimize the likelihood of breakdowns: During your furnace service, your technician will check if all the parts are functioning as they should and are in good condition. Many seasonal breakdowns are caused by faulty components or airflow issues, which can both be addressed with an inspection.
Being aware of the condition of your furnace before the heating season arrives will save you from the stress of dealing with an equipment breakdown. While maintenance can’t save a failing furnace, you’ll have time to address problems or get a new one before it gets uncomfortably cold. When it’s time to replace your HVAC equipment, hire a reputable cooling and heating installation technician like Applied Air Mechanical.
To extend the life of your furnace: Various factors affect the lifespan of heating systems, one of which is how well you maintain it. You can expect your furnace to last for at least a decade. However, it can last longer if you take proper care of your equipment.
To keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid: Many manufacturers require homeowners to take proper care of their furnaces to keep the warranty valid. When that day comes and you need to use your warranty, your manufacturer will ask for HVAC service records as proof that you’ve been maintaining the equipment properly. The odds may not be in your favor if you fail to present these records.
Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System for Winter
Clean or replace your filter: Your HVAC filter prevents dust and dirt from entering the furnace. Experts recommend replacing the filter every one to three months, depending on the amount of use. Clogged filters can affect airflow and put a strain on your equipment, which can increase your energy costs and harm your furnace. Keep in mind that regular filter replacements cost less than major repairs.
Have your ducts and vents cleaned: Furnace ducts are prone to damage when using a forced-air furnace, meaning you have to clean your ducts frequently. Your technician should cover all ducts after cleaning them to prevent air from leaking into the furnace. Moreover, it’s also essential to keep your vents clean. Dust and dirt can settle on your venting system, which can cause clogging. Clogged ventilation can be dangerous and cause hazards to the household.
Set your thermostat correctly: Your thermostat may be experiencing issues if you’ve reset it many times but your home still feels uncomfortable. You’ll need to replace a thermostat that stops working. Check if your thermostat is functioning correctly and get a replacement if necessary.
With a programmable thermostat, you don’t need to worry about maintaining a consistent temperature in your home. Because it follows your preferred temperature schedule, the heating will stay uniform. You can set a schedule that’s in line with your routine so you can manage your energy use even when you’re away from home.
Turn on your furnace at least three times before winter: Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to turn your furnace on at least three times. Doing so will tell you if your furnace is functioning efficiently. After all, you don’t want to find out that your furnace has issues just as it’s starting to get cold. As much as possible, address problems with your equipment before the heating season begins.
Hire a Reputable Technician
HVAC jobs like AC installation and furnace maintenance are best left to professionals. These tasks aren’t as simple as they seem. Even if you feel like you can complete the maintenance jobs, it’s still better to hire a skilled technician to take care of your heating and cooling system.
A skilled technician will be able to tell if your ductwork has become loose due to thermal movement and if your blower motor bearings need lubrication. They can replace air filters as well as clean blower fan blades and the AC condensing coil. Your technician can also detect problems like a loose blower belt, blocked condensate drain, improperly firing burners, loose wiring harnesses and AC coolant leaks.
At Applied Air Mechanical, you can count on us for your AC Installation and furnace maintenance needs. Call us at (817) 888-7311 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
