Winter temperatures can drop very low, making your indoor environment uncomfortable. Homeowners invest in heating systems, including furnaces, which heat air and circulate it throughout the house to reduce discomfort. To keep furnaces at their best, schedule heating maintenance by professional HVAC technicians who will inspect your furnace, preferably every spring. Doing this brings several benefits, and here are some of them.
1. Safety
Furnaces are complex appliances that use gas or electricity to heat air. After some use, they may develop issues that risk your family’s safety. Faulty electric furnaces may cause housefires and electrocution. Gas furnaces can have leaks in the supply lines. Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Some gas companies use an odorant that smells like rotten eggs so their customers can quickly notice when there is a leakage. If not addressed on time, natural gas can cause fires and explosions because it is highly flammable.
Dirt may accumulate on the burners, leading to incomplete combustion due to a poor air-fuel ratio. This mixture can lead to the release of carbon monoxide. Also, the combustion chamber’s cracks can cause the gas to leak into the house. Carbon monoxide is toxic and can lead to death when inhaled in high concentrations.
Investing in an annual furnace inspection helps keep your home safe. Our HVAC technician will thoroughly evaluate the components, identify potential problems, and offer solutions before they lead to hazards. We will also ensure the safety mechanisms are working efficiently. For instance, a furnace may overheat when there are inefficient components. To prevent self-damage, it has a high-temperature limit control that shuts off the system if it exceeds the allowed degrees.
2. Optimal System Performance
Furnaces can accumulate dirt, soot, and debris on their internal components, reducing performance and efficiency. For instance, the system has air filters that trap pollutants from the air circulating in your home. When the trapped particles accumulate, they block the air pores on the filters, leading to blockages restricting airflow. The furnace works harder than it should to pull in air and uses more energy.
You can have a replaceable or washable air filter, depending on the furnace model. It can be challenging for some homeowners to locate the filter location and uninstall it, but an HVAC technician will check its condition during an inspection. They may clean or replace it when it’s dirty or recommend purchasing a new one if worn out.
Moving parts also need lubrication to reduce friction so the system does not strain to deliver the desired temperatures. When there is too much friction, the system overworks to move them, and they may have excess wear and tear.
3. Prevent Costly Repairs
Regular inspections can help prevent expensive repairs because our technicians will identify minor issues before they become more significant. Sometimes, your unit may have problems that do not significantly impact its performance at its minor stages, making it hard to know if there is an issue. However, if you continue using the system without fixing it, the problem will grow. For instance, a moving component will wear out with inadequate lubrication. Continued use of the system can lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
When inspecting the system, our HVAC technicians may catch the problem in its early stages. It is easier and quicker to solve an issue before it grows. Preventative maintenance ensures a reliable heating system and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns. During the cold seasons, the demand for HVAC technicians is high, and you may pay more for emergency repair services.
4. Extended Life
Furnaces are expensive investments that should compensate for the initial costs by at least lasting the whole manufacturer’s recommended lifespan of your furnace. With proper care, including annual checkups by a professional, they can last between 15 and 25 years. By fixing problems in a timely manner, you can avoid premature system collapse and delay the need for a replacement.
5. Maintain Warranty Validity
Most furnace models have a warranty that covers the repair or replacement of particular parts if they fail due to an HVAC technician error. The installer may also offer an installation warranty. It covers the installation service and will pay for repairs if the system develops problems related to the part. You may also purchase an extended warranty from the manufacturer for additional coverage within a desired time frame.
Many furnace manufacturers and installers require annual inspections for their warranties to remain valid. Failing to follow these guidelines can lead to the furnace falling into a neglected stage and potentially voiding the warranty. You are then responsible for expensive repair or replacement costs. Our professional technicians will provide detailed records after an inspection, which you can use as proof when claiming coverage. Keeping records protects your investment and assures that any covered issues will be addressed without out-of-pocket expenses.
6. Improve Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is crucial to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. A well-functioning furnace can help improve the quality of air inside your home. During an inspection, the technician will change filters to reduce the amount of dust, allergens, and other pollutants circulating indoors.
They may also examine and clean the ductwork, vents, and grilles. Sometimes, pests can build nests in the ducts. There may also be accumulated pollutants, including pest droppings, pet fur, and dander. As the air blows in the system, it can collect these particles and circulate them inside your home, compromising the air quality.
Furthermore, mold and mildew may grow within the system because of damp or humid conditions created by malfunctioning systems. These can release spores, which trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Our technician will clean the affected parts and sanitize them to prevent the reoccurrence of the micro-organisms.
7. Peace of Mind
One of the most valuable benefits of annual furnace inspections is the peace of mind they provide. Knowing that a professional HVAC technician has thoroughly checked and maintained your furnace can give you confidence in its safe and efficient operation. Your home can remain comfortable without worrying about unexpected breakdowns or inconsistent heating.
8. Energy Efficiency
During an annual tune-up, our HVAC technicians will check the combustion chamber and ensure there is efficient fuel combustion so it is turned into heat with minimal waste. They will also examine the thermostat, which controls the start and completion of a cycle. If faulty, there may be poor communication with the system, which leads to discomfort or high energy use. We will calibrate the device for accurate temperature readings. Since the energy prices are high, you can save money on energy bills and avoid financial strain with an efficient system.
At Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation, we have HVAC technicians dedicated to providing quality services to residents throughout Sacramento and the nearby neighborhoods. We offer heating and cooling services, air purification, and attic insulation. Contact us at Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation today for system installation, repair, or maintenance.