Winter is just around the corner. If you haven’t already scheduled a furnace inspection, there is no time like the present. A yearly inspection will prevent any unexpected failures once the temperatures have dropped, sparing you from a cold house that can create health risks and the cost of emergency repairs.
You may ask why you need a furnace inspection if you haven’t had any problems in the past. The answer to this is simple. You are having preventative maintenance done just as you would for the vehicles you drive.
A furnace inspection allows an HVAC technician to check for any potential issues and correct them before they become a larger problem and do a bit of a tune-up to keep your furnace running smoothly.
Ideally, you should have your furnace inspected annually. The very best time is when you don’t need it and before you are going to turn it on for the first time. In other words, there is no time like the present.
Here are some of the benefits of annual furnace inspections. You can also check out the following link to learn how to prime an oil furnace: https://americanhomewater.com/how-to-prime-an-oil-furnace/
Lifespan of the Furnace
If you have purchased a home that already had a furnace installed, a furnace inspection can get you up to date on any issues that you may need to address in the future. It might also prepare you for the need for an upcoming replacement.
Whether you are familiarizing yourself with the condition of a furnace someone else purchased or you’ve not kept up with maintenance in your furnace’s earlier years, an inspection can alert you to potential failures before they happen.
An HVAC technician can give you advice on how much longer your furnace can be expected to perform well so that you can prepare for the financial output to purchase a new unit. Keeping your furnace properly maintained will also keep it running well, extending its lifespan and performance
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
A cracked heat exchanger can release dangerous carbon monoxide gas into your home. Carbon monoxide has no odor or color, making it undetectable to the eye and nose. It is also deadly.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. In addition to routine furnace inspections, it is also wise to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home to alert your family to its presence so you can evacuate and seek assistance.
Cleaning
Rust and dirt can build up on the furnace’s burners. During a furnace inspection, the technician will clean away any buildup on the furnace to prevent trapped gas and hotspots from forming in the heat exchanger.
This type of cleaning is just as important with a newer furnace as it is with an older model as this kind of buildup happens in most furnaces, regardless of age.
Parts Replacement
During the course of an inspection, your HVAC technician may note components that have become worn or damaged. These can be replaced before they create bigger issues with the system so that it continues to operate properly during the upcoming cold months when you need it most.
Energy Efficiency
Without annual inspections, your furnace can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime that inhibits its performance by coating components and slowing their operation. Dirty or loose components can cause your furnace to work much harder than it should.
This decreases how effectively it heats and increases the amount of energy needed to run it, which translates into additional wear and tear that will create repair bills and higher utility costs.
During your inspection, all parts will be cleaned, tightened, and lubricated as necessary so that everything works just as it should, maintaining its intended energy efficiency.
Warranty Requirements
Units that are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a supplemental home warranty may be subject to required maintenance. If your warranty calls for yearly inspections and you fail to have them completed, you may not be covered in the event of failures.
The entity that issues your warranty can ask to see your maintenance records before affording coverage for a breakdown. If you haven’t had the necessary maintenance done, you can be denied coverage and have to pay the cost of repairs out of your own pocket.
Routine maintenance ensures that you are covered in the event of a failure that falls under your warranty coverage. In fact, many problems are prevented by technicians who are able to see the issues during inspections and make repairs before more serious failures can occur.
Air Filters
Annual furnace inspections will also include the replacement of your air filters. During operation, these air filters capture dirt, dust, and debris so that they don’t continue to circulate through your home. These filters keep the quality of your home air at its best. Failure to replace them allows harmful bacteria and other particles to escape into the air of your home.
Though the technician will change the filter during the inspection, you will also be apprised of how often you should be changing it and shown how, if necessary. Most homes require an air filter change every three months.
However, during times of heavy use, or when there are people present who have allergies, respiratory problems, or other illnesses that require clean air, you may want to change them monthly. In some cases, homeowners will change their air filters every two weeks.
The Bottom Line
No matter what type of furnace you have, how often you use it, or the age of the unit, you will benefit from having an annual furnace inspection completed by a qualified HVAC professional. It can save you money on repairs, keep utility bills in check and prevent early replacement of a furnace that has been neglected for too long.
In some cases, your furnace can be dangerous if poorly maintained. This is especially true of gas furnaces that can explode under certain conditions. It is far better to prevent serious problems for the sake of your family’s health and to prevent costly repairs or replacements.
You can even sign up for a maintenance plan that provides you with annual maintenance for your air conditioning and furnace and also provides discounts on certain services. Call your local HVAC professionals for a furnace inspection today!
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