While it might be warm and sunny now, in Murphysboro, IL, fall will be here before you know it. It’s a good idea to start thinking about your heating system before you start relying on it for heat this winter. Many of our customers wonder what happens during an annual furnace maintenance appointment and if they’re really worth it.
Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing serve homes throughout southern Illinois, and many rely on furnaces to keep their homes warm in the winter. When you call to make your furnace maintenance appointment, don’t be surprised if we can’t see you for a couple of months. This is because we have a lot of furnaces to service and our schedules fill up fast. But don’t get discouraged; maintenance at any time in the season is better than no maintenance at all. We’ll share the annual furnace maintenance checklist our technicians follow along with some other tips to prepare your heating system for winter.
Why Furnace Maintenance is Important
At Heartland, we understand that our customers have hectic lives, and oftentimes, HVAC maintenance is not a top priority. If you miss out on furnace maintenance, you’ll miss out on some great benefits.
Extends the Lifespan of your Furnace
Furnaces have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. However, that period of time could be shortened significantly if your furnace isn’t maintained correctly. A new furnace is a significant investment, and if you’ve ever purchased a furnace, you know that you want to get the most out of your investment. Following your appointment, your furnace will be restored to peak efficiency, which can keep your heating bills reasonable throughout the winter. The savings you redeem from heating bills often outweighs the cost of a maintenance appointment.
Improves Indoor Air Quality
During your maintenance appointment, your HVAC technician will remove dust and particle matter from within your unit. This will help prevent this debris from recirculating into your duct system, which can pollute your indoor air. Regular cleanings can improve your indoor air quality. Your technician will also look at your air filter and replace it with a new one if needed.
Prevents Issues From Developing
Your technician has the experience and knowledge to be able to notice when parts inside your furnace are starting to show signs of wear and tear. They can quickly and easily repair parts during your appointment. Maintenance is a preventative measure that can save you lots on repair bills in the long run.
Maintains Your Manufacturer’s Warranty
Many manufacturers require that your furnace is serviced on an annual basis to validate your system’s warranty. If your warranty lapses, it can make repairs in the future much more expensive. Many manufacturers dictate that maintenance must be performed by a certified and experienced HVAC company like Heartland.
Furnace Maintenance Checklist
During a furnace maintenance visit, technicians take the following steps to make sure you are getting the most out of your furnace:
- Visually inspect the furnace, looking for any damage or signs of wear and tear.
- Check the furnace filter and clean or replace it as needed. A clean furnace filter will help your furnace run more efficiently.
- Inspect the furnace blower belt and adjust it if necessary. A loose blower belt can cause your furnace to overheat.
- Oil the furnace blower motor if necessary. This will help keep the engine running smoothly.
- Inspect the furnace burners and clean them if necessary. Dirty burners can cause your furnace to use more energy than necessary.
- Test the furnace safety switch and make sure it is working correctly. This switch is designed to shut off the furnace if there is a problem with the flame sensor or other components.
- Inspect the flue pipe for rust or other damage and repair or replace it as necessary.
- Vacuum out the furnace cabinet to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated over time.
- Inspect all of the ductwork for leaks and recommend sealing for any leaks that are found. Your HVAC technician will make sure you don’t have a cracked heat exchanger, as this could lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance Appointment with Heartland Today
If you’re ready to schedule your annual furnace tune-up, call the team at Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing. The sooner you contact us to schedule your appointment, the sooner we’ll be able to service your furnace.