Is Your Heater Working? The Importance of Annual Furnace Inspections

Just like most regular maintenance, annual furnace inspections and service can help prolong the life of your heating system. Plus, many furnace companies recommend this as part of their warranty. 

It’s no secret that your heating system can last around 20 years, which makes it an easy thing to ignore from year to year. But the truth is, that lifetime is dependent on regular maintenance, and catching small repairs before they become major upsets.

Health Benefits 

It has been estimated up to 75% of emergency furnace repairs are due to something that could have been prevented with an annual check-up. Why have your entire household suffer on a cold day when it could easily be avoided? 

Not only can annual checks prevent things like emergency repair bills or suffering in the cold, they are also needed for the health of your family. Regular inspections will reveal things like carbon monoxide leaks, which can be fatal if left unnoticed. 

Besides carbon monoxide, check-ups can find other leaks or small issues that could be dangerous if left alone. Plus, giving your furnace and ducts a good cleaning, and changing filters, can keep the air you breathe cleaner for everyone. 

Energy Benefits

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, if it is poorly maintained it’s basically a guarantee it’s not running as efficiently as possible. Overall that means that your furnace is working harder than necessary to keep you warm. Translation: you’re paying more to warm your home. 

One of the simplest things to keep your furnace running more efficient is regularly replacing filters so the air can flow correctly. This is recommended to do more often than annually, but can differ depending on how much your furnace is used.

Another easy change is to make sure you are using a programmable thermostat to keep your temperature regulated. Your technician can help you determine if either or both of these items should be replaced during his visit.

Repair Benefits

When a technician does a furnace inspection, these are some of the things that will be done:

• Venting & filters: checking for blocks, leaks or other needed repairs
• Switches & wires: tested to make sure they are operating correctly, and without corrosion or other connection issues
• Heat exchanger: typically done visually and/or with a combustion analysis 
• Burners, flame & ignition: all necessary checks for safety and proper efficiency
• Main blower: inspected and cleaned for highest efficiency 
• Gas pressure: checked that it’s within proper range
• Drainage system: inspected and cleaned 
• Lubricating all moving parts and necessary areas

This list shows what’s involved in a thorough inspection, but also details all of the minor points where something that goes unnoticed could need a major repair. 

The good news is for your budget, an inspection is much more affordable. While waiting for a major repair, or even requiring a replacement furnace before you’d otherwise need one, can end up being a huge hassle and bill that could have been avoided.

As with all heating or other HVAC topics, if you have questions feel free to call us with any questions. We have appointments available anytime of the day or night, and weekends too.