4 Reasons Why Furnace Maintenance is Important
As we enjoy cooler fall temperatures, winter will be here before we know it. With this changing of the seasons, it is critical to have your annual furnace inspection done by an HVAC professional. Why is annual furnace maintenance so important? Here are four reasons.
Furnace maintenance ensures your HVAC system is working properly.
During a maintenance appointment with Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, our NATE-certified technicians ensure your HVAC system is working the way it should be and running smoothly. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence, the leading program for certification of technicians in the HVAC industry.
The technician will:
- Inspect the unit and its wiring;
- Clean and lubricate all unit components as needed;
- Check the fuel line and fuel levels;
- Test the pilot light and calibrate pressure in the fuel line;
- Clean all portions of the fuel line and pilot light mechanism;
- Calibrate the unit, so that it provides reliable, efficient service; and
- Identify any potential mechanical issues or repair needs.
Just as it is important for us to get annual checkups with our physicians and have regular maintenance done on our car, annual furnace maintenance and annual air conditioner maintenance are musts. We recommend having your HVAC system professionally serviced twice a year (in the spring before using the air conditioner for the first time and in the fall before using the furnace for the first time).
Furnace maintenance makes sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible.
During your technician’s visit, they are inspecting and cleaning the components of your HVAC system. When the parts of the furnace are properly inspected and cleaned, they help your furnace run more efficiently.
Another efficiency killer is a dirty air filter. An air filter’s job is to remove pollutants, like dust, dirt and pet dander from your home’s indoor air. When the air filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and causes your furnace (and entire HVAC system) to work harder, not as efficiently as possible. Depending on the type of air filter you use and how much your system runs, it is best to clean or replace it every 30-90 days.
Can’t remember the last time you changed your air filter? You can change it yourself or have your technician change it during your furnace maintenance appointment. When you change the air filter, write the date on the cardboard edge of the filter, so you can easily check it and change it, if needed. Also schedule a reminder on your phone’s calendar to check and change the filter, if needed, every 30-90 days.
Furnace maintenance is important for your family’s health.
While your furnace circulates air throughout your home, you don’t want it circulating dust and other airborne pollutants along with it. A dirty air filter (and a dirty furnace) make it harder to remove pollutants from your home’s indoor air (contaminants like dust mites, mold, pet dander, dead skin, allergens, viruses and more). During your furnace maintenance appointment, your technician will be sure your unit is clean of mildew, mold, dust and other contaminants that can affect your indoor air quality and your family’s health.
Furnace maintenance is essential for the life of your HVAC system.
Even if everything is working well, this kind of preventive furnace maintenance is important for the life of your HVAC system, addressing any issues before they turn into expensive repairs or replacements. Remember: the better shape your furnace is in, the longer it will last. A properly-maintained furnace can last for 15-20 years.
Make sure your furnace is in peak condition and ready to run all fall and winter long. For more tips on maintaining your furnace or to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment, contact Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing.
