It’s that pivotal time of year when your annual heating system service call is on your mind – or at least should be. This service call, which is also referred to as a furnace tune-up, is a safe and smart move that definitely pays off in the long run. But are you wondering if it's really necessary?
Skepticism can be healthy, so here’s an explanation of why an annual heating system service really is necessary.
A thorough inspection looks at things you can’t
There are some things you can do now to get your heating system ready. Once you check off that list, you're bound to feel a sense of accomplishment. But don't make the mistake of assuming that those tasks are all your furnace needs to function safely and reliably; it needs a comprehensive tune-up that includes:
- Inspecting the entire heating system, from the thermostat to the heat exchanger
- Cleaning and lubricating all the moving parts
- Setting the burners for proper combustion and ignition
- Tightening the electrical connections and measuring the voltage
- Inspecting the condensate drain, chimney, and flue
- Surveying the condition and tension of the fan belt
- Conducting a carbon monoxide test
What do all of these operations accomplish?
A tune-up helps ensure your safety
If your furnace is gas-fired, as most of them are, they emit a small but safe amount of carbon monoxide. Gas furnaces also present a fire hazard.
An improper gas connection or a crack in the heat exchanger can cause high and unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide to seep into your home. A heating system service technician combs your furnace for these problems and fixes them on the spot.
So annual maintenance is really necessary because it helps ensure your safety and that of your family.
A tune-up guards against breakdowns
People always seem to say that their furnace breaks down when they need it most, which is logical when you consider that it wouldn't break down on a hot day when you wouldn't have it turned on anyway.
Nevertheless, dirt and grime are your furnace's chief enemies. A Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service study traced nine out of 10 heating and air conditioning failures to dirt and dust buildup.
So annual heating system service is really necessary because it helps ensure that your furnace runs cleanly and efficiently and won't falter on the days you need it most.
A tune-up makes economic sense
A furnace that runs cleanly and efficiently will cost less money to run, just as vehicles that undergo regular tune-ups consume less gas.
Every month, you pay for heating, electricity and water, and heating probably accounts for the largest portion of your energy bill, or about 30 percent. You know how much you pay to heat your home, but why would you want to pay one dollar more than you have to?
So annual heating system service is really necessary if you want to keep your energy bill under control.
A tune-up can uncover lurking problems
Think of a furnace tune-up as an insurance policy in that technicians will identify and repair any minor problems with your furnace before they develop into bigger, more expensive problems – or even a costlier replacement.
So annual heating system service is really necessary if you seek economic peace of mind.
A tune-up extends your furnace's lifespan
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years, just like vehicles can if they're well maintained. Still, few homeowners actually get excited about investing in a new furnace (or, at least, not until a few months later, after they have reaped the benefits). Like vehicles, furnaces are expensive.
So annual heating system service is really necessary if you want your furnace to last as long as possible.
It's been said that if you take care of your heating system, it will take care of you. But first, you have to believe that annual heating system service is really necessary. If you do, you won't postpone contacting Experts In Your Home to schedule your annual tune-up.
