According to Energy Star, home heating accounts for 29% of your annual energy costs. That’s more than for cooling, appliances, or lighting. You might have more control over what you spend than you think. Preventative maintenance can go a long way in helping your furnace run at peak efficiency. Continue reading to learn the benefits of getting an annual furnace tune-up.
An Efficiency Boost
A tune-up provides the regular maintenance needed for your furnace to operate efficiently. You can reduce your energy by bill by as much as 30% in some cases. The process can be as simple as cleaning or changing filters and making minor adjustments. A heating professional, who knows common issues to look for, should inspect the unit to ensure it is in working order.
A Safer Home
Furnaces don’t pose much of a risk when they’re working. But producing heat requires combustion. The slightest problem with a heat exchanger, burner, valve, or connection can disrupt this process, leading to very serious issues such as a gas leak or carbon monoxide exposure, which can be deadly. Protect your family’s health and safety by having your furnace inspected and tuned annually.
Healthier Air
Indoor air quality can suffer due to a poorly maintained furnace. Aside from changing the filter, a technician can flush dust, dirt, and debris from inside the appliance to prevent contaminated air from entering your home. A tune-up can help provide relief from allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory conditions.
Maintain Airflow
Some furnace problems can restrict airflow. If the amount of air flowing through the system is limited, it can strain the furnace and other parts of your HVAC system. This can lead to component failures, breakdowns, and shortened furnace life. Checking airflow is therefore an important part of a furnace tune-up.
Avoid Major Repairs
Routine maintenance often avoids major repair jobs. A technician can catch minor problems that are easy to fix, before they lead to more serious issues. This both saves money and avoids the inconvenience of a furnace breaking down on a cold winter’s night.
Warranty
The terms of your furnace warranty likely stipulate the agreement will become void if you don’t receive regular maintenance. A manufacturer’s warranty therefore provides an incentive to get your furnace checked annually. You don’t want to be stuck paying for repairs you could have prevented. Plus, there are many other benefits of maintenance to consider.
Know Your Furnace
It’s hard to know how your furnace is doing without a regular tune-up. A technician can inform you on its overall condition and if any new issues are occurring. They can also help you plan ahead for a replacement by estimating a furnace’s remaining operating life.
When Should a Furnace Tune-Up Be Scheduled?
Don’t wait until winter. Even though home heating may not be on your mind, it’s a good idea to get your furnace tune-up in the summer. Your heating service provider will likely have more scheduling flexibility before the fall rush. There’s also time to schedule any necessary repairs and, if there’s a major issue, you can shop around for a higher-efficiency model and set up an installation date.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
Serving Portland and The Dalles, Oregon, we are heating system experts that can help maintain your furnace. Our team can address all your repair needs and is available 24/7. Schedule an annual furnace tune-up by calling 503-235-9083 or contacting us online.