Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start scheduling your annual furnace checkup.
However, you’ve probably asked yourself the following question: “Do I really need to service my furnace every single year?”
Here’s the short answer: yes!
Though it may be something you rarely think about, your furnace and heating system need regular attention and maintenance to make sure they’re operating effectively and safely. Neglect them, and you could be facing higher energy bills, potentially cold nights, and even health and safety concerns!
We’ll explain some of the reasons why routine maintenance is so important for your furnace, and we’ll let you know what steps you can take to make sure it gets done without a lot of hassle.
Yes, Your Furnace Really Does Need Annual Checkups!
According to Energy Star, you should have your furnace checked once per year, at the minimum.
Beyond safety and regulatory reasons, getting your furnace checked is a great way to save you money in the long term!
A furnace that’s in good operating condition will save you money on your utility bills since it won’t have to work as hard or use as much power. Plus, if you neglect smaller maintenance needs, they’ll compound into a more expensive and catastrophic incident down the road.
While you might be able to do some maintenance (like replacing your filter) yourself, it’s important to call licensed HVAC professionals to make sure everything gets done properly!
Licensed HVAC professionals have a specific list of inspection and maintenance items to go through with your heating and cooling system, many of which the average homeowner wouldn’t want (or be qualified) to do themselves.
Here’s what your HVAC professionals will be doing during your annual checkup:
General HVAC Maintenance
- Checking your thermostat settings to ensure your cooling and heating system is responding to it.
- Tightening electrical connections and measuring voltage/currents on motors. If this isn’t done, connections and smaller parts can cause safety risks or expensive damage to larger parts.
- Lubricating all moving parts. If this isn’t done regularly, your heating and cooling system will have more friction while it runs, using more power and raising your utility bill.
- Checking and inspecting the condensation drain in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. If the condensation drain is clogged, it can leak and cause water damage, resulting in mold.
- Checking the controls of the system to ensure it starts, operates, and shuts off safely and properly.
Maintenance of Your Heating System
- Checking all gas (or oil) connections, monitoring gas pressure, examining your burner’s combustion, and inspecting your heat exchanger. Bad gas (or oil) connections are a fire and safety hazard, and burners or heat exchangers that have been neglected can make the problem even worse.
Maintenance of Your Cooling System
- Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils. If this doesn’t happen, your AC system has to work harder, resulting in higher utility bills.
- Checking your air conditioner’s refrigerant level and adjusting it if needed. Once again, if this isn’t done your AC system won’t work properly, using more power and costing you more money.
- Cleaning and adjusting blower components to allow proper airflow for a comfortable, evenly-cooled home.
Here are some other reasons why getting an annual furnace checkup is so important.
As we mentioned before, regular maintenance saves you money over time, as a healthy and fully functioning HVAC system uses less power and keeps your utility bills low.
Knowing that, let’s learn about some other reasons why annual furnace maintenance is crucial!
Helps to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The CDC recommends annual furnace checkups to help you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
This is so much more important than saving money on energy bills.
If you have a gas heating system and the gas isn’t being burned or ventilated properly, it can build up carbon monoxide in your home, which could cause serious illness or even death.
Your HVAC professional will make sure that your gas is burning and ventilating properly, and they’ll be able to diagnose and fix any issues that may arise to help keep you safe.
Avoid Voided Warranties
Many furnace manufacturers require you to have yearly inspections and maintenance in order to keep your warranty valid. If you skip out, they may void your warranty.
Here are general maintenance guidelines for many furnace manufacturers’ warranties:
- Maintenance must happen at least once per year.
- You need to have written proof of the visit.
- The maintenance needs to be carried out by a licensed HVAC professional.
- The service needs to be more than just a visual inspection.
Summary
At the minimum, you need to have your furnace and cooling system worked on once per year.
From energy bill savings and improving your comfort to preserving health and safety, regular HVAC maintenance is crucial.
Hoosier Indoor Air Can Help
As the winter months draw near, make sure you’re on top of your yearly furnace maintenance!
Whether you need emergency heating repairs, new furnace installation, or seasonal furnace maintenance, Hoosier Indoor Air is here to help keep you warm during the cold Indiana winters.
We’ll take care of your HVAC needs so you don’t have to worry about them, allowing you to just focus on living your life.
One of the ways we do this is through our Comfort Guard™ maintenance plan!
This service includes more than just routine maintenance. It also offers discounts and perks for heating and cooling repair services—and more—for just $18 per month!
Our certified HVAC technicians are standing by and equipped to handle any type of heating problem in your home. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can serve you, call 317-466-7437 or book a visit online.
