Why You Should Consider Annual Furnace Maintenance

Posted: 2018-11-08

Maintaining your furnace plays an essential part in keeping your system’s overall efficiency and operational safety. The most effective way to take care of your unit is to have it professionally maintained by a qualified HVAC technician.

Poor equipment maintenance is one of the most common causes of furnace failures, which results in costly repairs. There are homeowners who won’t call their local heating company in Vadnais Heights MN unless their furnace starts showing signs of inefficiency.  The best way to avoid potentially repairs and parts replacement is to regularly maintain your system. This is at the core of Four Seasons Air Specialists’ furnace preventive maintenance service. If your heating system works round the clock, especially during the coldest nights, you have to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider professional furnace maintenance.

Operational Safety

Your furnace converts fuel into heat, which can pose dangers to your health and safety if the system is not properly operated and maintained. A dirty furnace has greater chances of releasing and circulating large amounts of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas. While it is normal for a furnace to emit some carbon monoxide during operation, but when you’re constantly exposed to this gas, it can negatively affect your health as carbon monoxide is such a dangerous gas. A furnace that is not regularly maintained can fill its vents and burners with carbon residue and debris. Congested burners can allow your furnace to start letting off fatal amounts of carbon monoxide throughout your home, especially if you use a central air system.

Professional furnace maintenance ensures your burners and vents are all properly cleaned, minimizing its carbon monoxide emission. While having a CO detector at home is helpful, it is not a replacement for regular professional maintenance.

Smooth Performance

One of the main reasons why homeowners call for furnace service is because their furnace is overheating. When your heating system collects dust, dirt, and debris, its airflow is compromised, which causes the system to have a difficulty in performing its duty. This results in more fuel consumption and the likelihood of premature parts replacement. One of the components that need to be professionally maintained is the heat exchanger. When the furnace keeps on overheating, the system’s heat exchanger can be damaged and could cost hundreds of dollars to replace. Not only does annual professional furnace maintenance improve your system’s operational safety, but it also helps avoid untimely equipment repairs.

Cleaner Indoor Air

Your furnace provides your home with much-needed heat and it also plays an important part in your indoor air quality. A furnace that’s not professionally maintained can release carbon monoxide. Exposure to this gas has dangerous effects on your health that include dull headaches, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and loss of consciousness.

Regular replacement of filters, cleaning of ducts, and coils will ensure your furnace effectively collects dirt, dust, and debris. This is especially important if you have children, people aged 60 or more, or family members who have pre-existing respiratory issues.

Lower Energy Costs

Your furnace can account for about half of your monthly utility bill. That can easily increase, especially during long stretches of cold days and nights.

A properly maintained furnace will be more efficient as it uses less fuel. As a matter of fact, there are studies that show regular preventive maintenance can save you as much as 30 percent. If you add a smart thermostat in the mix, and you’re on your way to saving even more.

Longer Equipment Life

Even when you notice that your system is doing well and good, annual preventive maintenance is still important for the life of your furnace. An HVAC professional can address issues before they turn into expensive repairs or replacements. Keep in mind that the better shape your furnace is in, the longer it will last. By properly taking care of your heating system, you can enjoy using for as long as 15 to 20 years.

Professional Furnace Maintenance

Make sure your heating system is in peak condition and ready to run all fall and winter long. If you need help in fine-tuning your furnace, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your trusted Vadnais Heights furnace repair company since 1974.