As the temperatures fall and winter approaches, the furnace automatically becomes the most important system operating in your household. Working hard to keep you nice and cozy is Herculean, but if neglected, it rapidly turns into a reason for very expensive repairs, higher energy bills, and safety hazards. Furnace maintenance is not a chore; it’s a key ingredient in a hassle-free winter. So, here’s why it’s so important, what’s involved, and how it might just save your bacon, money, and grey hairs.
Dangers of Ignoring Your Furnace
Skipping routine furnace maintenance might not seem like a big deal until something goes wrong. Here are some of the most common dangers of neglecting your heating system:
Breakdowns Perversely Occurring When Heat Is Most Needed
Furnaces are apt to stop working during the coldest months because of the biggest burden they must bear. A lack of proper maintenance is estimated to account for nearly 75% of “no heat” calls this winter. Of course, nobody wants their heating system to break down during the middle of a blizzard and find themselves with the urgent need for emergency repairs.
Soaring Energy Costs
An unserviced furnace has to work a great deal harder to warm up your home, greatly spiking your utility bill. A well-maintained one allows for the opportunity to create an uptick in efficiency as high as 15%, thus saving hundreds of dollars a year. EnergyStar says a small issue, a dirty filter, especially dirty burners, may seem insignificant but could be secretly nibbling away at your wallet.
Safety Risks
Neglecting it might be hazardous since carbon monoxide leaks can occur; this usually results from a failed heat exchanger and/or faulty parts. More than 50,000 people visit the emergency room each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and you’ll most definitely want to make sure your system works safely.
What Is Involved in Furnace Maintenance?
At Service 360 Group, routine furnace maintenance extends beyond replacing the filter in under five minutes. Here’s what’s included:
- Comprehensive Check-Up: Our professionals examine the condition of the main wearing parts, such as the heat exchanger, burners, and many others that may lead to an unexpected breakdown.
- Efficiency Optimization: Cleaning of burners, adjustment of airflow, and thermostat calibration make your system work right and efficiently.
- Carbon Monoxide Testing: We use specialized instruments to detect hazardous leaks and give you confidence that the house is safe to stay in.
- Preventive Repairs: During a tune-up, small problems are typically fixed, preventing big and costly ones from arising afterward. Much like changing the oil in your car, a tune-up keeps all parts running smoothly.
Why Regular Maintenance Counts
If you’re still wondering whether furnace maintenance is worth it, consider these long-term benefits:
- Lower Energy Bills: Since heating accounts for roughly half of the energy expenses in a household, increasing efficiency by fifteen percent can certainly bring significant savings.
- Extended Life of Your Furnace: Regular tune-ups can add 5–10 years to the life of your furnace and can prevent the unnecessary expense of a premature replacement.
- Fewer Emergencies: A well-maintained system is much less likely to experience surprise failures and thus helps avoid the anxiety and expense of emergency repairs.
- Healthier Indoor Air: Neglected systems can harbor dust, dirt, and allergens, affecting air quality within your house. Regular maintenance cleans the air and keeps it safe for breathing by your family.
When to Apply for Service
It is easy to forget about a furnace until it breaks down, but the following warning signs indicate that something needs to be done:
- The furnace has not been serviced for over a year.
- It makes weird noises, like knocking or squealing.
- Some rooms are too hot, while others are too cold.
- Your energy bills are much higher than they were last year.
- The furnace is constantly starting up and shutting off (short cycles).
How Service 360 Group Can Help
At Service 360 Group, we know that a home needs to be warm and cozy during the cold season. We provide professional technicians with thorough and trustworthy furnace maintenance services so that your system operates perfectly and safely all winter long. Whether it’s a safety check or an efficiency enhancement, we cover every aspect.
References
- Energy.gov – Insights on the Efficiency and Maintenance of a Heating System.
- EnergyStar – Improving furnace efficiency, saving energy.
- CDC.gov – Statistics on Carbon Monoxide poisoning and its prevention.
- HVAC.com – Common Furnace Issues and Maintenance Benefits.
Ready to stay warm and worry-free this winter? Call today to schedule a professional furnace tune-up!
