Furnaces are an essential component in American homes. Around 48% of houses use gas for heat. The last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working in the middle of the chilly winter season.
Many people don’t pay attention to their furnaces until they need to. Conducting routine heater repair and maintenance is key to increasing the longevity and efficiency of your appliance. Annual furnace maintenance addresses and remedies problems before they become an issue.
Don’t let unexpected heating issues in Denver leave you in an unpleasant situation. This guide will discuss why you need to schedule routine furnace maintenance.
Increased Efficiency
Servicing your furnace before winter will help it run better when it needs to work hard. One of the reasons a furnace starts to act up is because of dust, dirt, and other debris accumulating inside of it.
An HVAC specialist will clean all of your furnace’s components, including replacing the filter. This ensures that your furnace runs optimally during winter.
Improved Safety
Denver furnace maintenance helps keep you and your household safe. You can get put at risk due to a faulty furnace because of the fuels it runs on.
Propane, natural gas, or oil can produce carbon monoxide. Inhaling carbon monoxide poses serious health hazards for you and your family.
Prevent Voiding the Warranty
Many furnace manufacturers require you to have annual service for your furnace to keep your warranty valid. You need to ensure that the technician you hire to work on your furnace is certified. Having an uncertified HVAC person work on your furnace can void the warranty.
Decrease the Need for Costly Repairs
Annual furnace maintenance is a predictable and affordable investment. Save yourself hassle and money over the long term by reducing your need for repairs.
That’s because maintenance appointments detect potential problems early. Your HVAC technician can fix the issue before it becomes an expensive situation.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace
Most furnaces last around 10-15 years. Systems that don’t get routinely maintained might break down earlier than this. You might have to purchase a new furnace earlier than you think due to repair issues.
Annual maintenance ensures that your furnace operates smoothly each season. You can add years to your unit’s lifespan. Go longer without needing to replace it.
Lower Energy Bills
An inefficient system can cause a lot of money to run. Your furnace will run at its best when it’s tuned, oiled, and clean. Lower your energy costs without having to sacrifice your comfort levels.
Improve Your Home's Comfort and Air Quality
Your home’s air should be clean and safe. Winter is the prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning. A neglected furnace can be the common cause of this issue.
During your annual maintenance, your tech will evaluate the CO levels and check for gas leaks. They’ll perform the necessary steps to ensure you have the best air quality.
Cold pockets and hot rooms are common problems in houses with run-down furnaces. If you’ve noticed any of these areas in your home, let your HVAC specialist know. They’ll provide you with solutions to control humidity, even out your home’s temperature, and improve the airflow.
What's Included in HVAC Maintenance?
An HVAC technician does more than visually inspect your furnace during your maintenance appointment. Preparing a furnace for Denver winter is crucial to keeping your home warm and safe. Some of the things that might be included in your appointment are:
- Checking of control systems and thermostat
- Tightening and inspection of electrical connections
- Checking of blower components
- Lubrication of all moving parts
- Cleaning and inspection of furnace burner
- Inspection of the furnace’s heat exchanger for cracks
- Checking the ignition switch
Tips for Preparing for Winter
In-depth furnace maintenance is something that’s best left to the professionals. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your furnace is ready for the winter months.
Clear the Area Around Your Furnace
Many people use their mechanical rooms as extra storage space. However, it’s not a good idea. Your furnace needs the extra space around it to “breathe.”
Flammable items that are kept too close to your furnace might catch on fire. It’s important to remove anything stored by your furnace before you start operating it.
Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Retiring
Once you’re done using your air conditioner for the year, you can get it ready to hibernate. You don’t need to cover the outdoor appliance with a tarp.
Rodents and critters can hide under the tarp. The tarp can also trap condensation and water next to the metal, causing it to rust.
All you need to do is put a piece of plywood on top of the outdoor unit. Weigh it down with a rock or brick. The wood protects the unit against debris or falling icicles that might damage it.
Open Your Heat Vents
Some people think that closing the heat vents in unused rooms saves money and energy. However, doing this can throw off the airflow balance in your furnace. This results in unnecessary strain and wear and tear on your furnace.
You should keep around 80% of your house’s air vents open. Many sure your vents aren’t blocked by curtains, rugs, or furniture. These household items can restrict airflow.
Change the Filter
You should check your furnace’s filter every month. Replace it with a new one every three months or when it’s visibly clogged.
Your HVAC technician can provide you with the best filter for your furnace. Some filter models can be reused after washing them.
Stay On Top of Heater Repair Before Winter Starts
Annual furnace maintenance is an important step in preparing your home for winter. Addressing any necessary heater repair issues is essential to ensuring your home stays warm and cozy during the winter.
Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric is the leading choice for furnace repair in Denver. We provide plumbing and HVAC services in Denver, Littleton, Aurora, and Centennial. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
