Many clients ask us: “Are annual furnace inspections actually necessary?” The answer is yes. There’s a reason that all major furnace manufacturers recommend annual inspections and maintenance from a qualified technician. It keeps the furnace in good condition which protects your home and your family. Additionally, a well maintained furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer, so it saves you time and money in the long-run because you’ll minimize repairs and replacements.
What Will a Technician Look For?
During your annual maintenance the technician should be looking for many things, such as:
- Checking the filters to ensure they’re clean and still in good condition.
- Testing the wiring for any signs of rips, tears, or corrosion.
- Checking the vents to make sure there’s no blockage or leaking.
- Testing blower components, such as seals, to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Burner checking for safe igniting and flames.
- Checking the exchanger for any signs of rust or corrosion.
- Testing the combustion gases to ensure that they’re safe and efficient.
A reputable company will check for all of these things, plus much more. A furnace is complex and important machine with many different components. That’s why each and every piece needs to be tested annually and maintained.
What Are The Benefits of an Annual Furnace Maintenance?
During the inspection, the technician can fix any issues before they get worse. This level of maintenance keeps the furnace functioning in optimal condition. A well-functioning furnace is energy efficient. Not only is this good for the environment, but it also saves you money on your utilities bill. This is especially important in the winter where a malfunctioning furnace can be extremely expensive.
Another benefit of having a well maintained furnace, is that it’s much safer. When the components of a furnace haven’t been properly repaired or replaced, it can lead to leaks of carbon monoxide and other gases. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the concentration is too high, which can lead to dizziness, confusion, memory loss, headaches, brain damage, and even death.
Also, by having it repaired annually, the furnace is likely to last longer and not need any major and expensive repairs down the road. It’s much cheaper to repair furnace components each and every year than have to replace the entire furnace in five years. Additionally, having your furnace maintained annually usually ensures that your furnace warranty will still be honored by the manufacturer. So if your furnace does malfunction, you won’t have to pay a cent to have it replaced.
When Should the Furnace be Maintained?
It’s usually best to schedule your annual maintenance in the spring or summer. This allows the technician to handle inspections and any repairs when you’re not relying on the furnace for heat. That way, if it takes a few days to repair, it’s not an inconvenience for you and your family. Having the maintenance performed in the spring and summer also ensures that you’ll have a properly functioning furnace when you need it the most, in the fall and winter months.
Lowe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been maintaining furnaces for over 100 years. Contact us today if you have questions or want to schedule your annual furnace inspection.
