Fresno and other Central Valley cities are known for their brutal summers, but the winters can be really cold. As the winter days come and the heating season begins, you may be wondering if you should get your annual furnace tune-up now or wait until something breaks down. To help you avoid any dilemmas, here are a few reasons why you should consider having your heating system checked at the start of a winter season before any issues arise.
Why you need to schedule your annual furnace tune-up now
Regular furnace maintenance is a preventive measure against larger issues that can happen later on. Your heating system may have run well last year, but it’s still wise to have it checked before the temperatures suddenly drop. Here are 6 reasons why you should consider scheduling your annual furnace tune-up now.
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Avoid safety risks
Over time, small cracks can appear in different elements of the entire heating system. These cracks will remain unnoticed if your heating system isn’t maintained for an extended period. The presence of such cracks is bad because your heater can omit the producing combustion gases through them. These gasses will instantly get mixed with the air that circulates throughout your home.
The omitting gases that heating systems produce, such as carbon monoxide, are poisonous and can be very harmful to the health of your family. Therefore, an annual furnace tune-up can be used as a preventive measure, to minimize this type of risk and keep your family safe and warm during the winter.
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Increase the lifespan of your heating system
Buying a furnace is not an investment that you can afford to make every year. The heating system in your home is a long-term investment that should keep your family warm for 15 years or even more. The lack of regular maintenance, however, may shorten its lifespan and make it stop working after as little as 5 years.
The furnace is a complex piece of equipment where various processes take place. Whether it’s the gas pressure, the electrical circuitry, or the air filter, a continuous malfunction will result in damage to the entire system. In many cases, residents do not notice these problems until they turn into major defects or complete system failures. This is why it’s very important to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance for your heating system.
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Ensure proper airflow
During a regular furnace tune-up, the technician will make sure that your heating system is getting proper airflow throughout the unit.
The most important part for ensuring proper airflow is the vent system. If the heating system is experiencing difficulties while distributing air, it will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can cause a complete breakdown or higher energy usage.
An annual furnace tune-up will make sure that the vent system functions properly and will protect you from unexpected costs or a complete system failure.
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Improve energy efficiency
Did you know that a furnace that is maintained well can save you 10% in fuel costs, which is typically more than the cost of a furnace tuneup? Your furnace is only a machine. To operate at peak efficiency, it needs to be regularly maintained. Otherwise, its performance will drop, while your energy bills will get significantly higher in the months that follow.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that heating and cooling compromise 54% of the average energy costs of a household. A heating system that works efficiently is a very practical way of saving money on energy costs.
One of the reasons that your furnace has to work harder is that dirt builds up in the furnace’s internal parts during the summer. This makes it run inefficiently and affects your energy bills. Proper maintenance will keep the internal parts clean, as well as the furnace’s efficiency at a top level.
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Keep the warranty
If your heater is under a manufacturer’s warranty, you need to get your annual furnace tuneup. The main reason for this is that most manufacturers state that the warranty becomes void if the heater is not maintained regularly. An annual furnace tune-up will meet these requirements and maintain your warranty.
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Keep your family healthy and comfortable
Your furnace will work harder in winter so that it can keep the warmth of your house at a proper level. That is why there is no worse time of the year to experience a furnace failure.
An improved heater will bring you more comfort in your home. The technicians will optimize the temperatures of air and water, and check if the thermostat is working properly.
A furnace tune-up also includes checking and replacing the filters. In fact, it’s recommended to check the filters more often than once a year. This way, you will keep your system free of dirt, dust, and allergens. This process will help your furnace run more efficiently and at the same time, keep the harmful particles away from your home.
Some people think that an annual furnace tune-up is an unnecessary expense. However, the listed reasons for an annual furnace tune-up can assure you that it is beneficial as a preventive measure even if you haven’t spotted any malfunctions. Regular maintenance will not only keep your system working effectively and save you from repair costs and high utility bills but will also produce a healthier living environment.
Leave your annual furnace tune-up to our experienced professionals
At Allbritten, we are 100% committed to serving the Central Valley residents for all of your heating problems and needs. Being in this business for over 70 years, we have accumulated extensive industry knowledge and competency that ensures your project or service will be done right.
From gas to electric heat pumps or propane systems, we have the expertise needed to properly maintain every type of equipment. From simple repairs to complete system replacements on any make or model, we’ve got you covered. Every home deserves to have a safe, warm, and cozy winter. So, whether you need to have your annual tune-up or are experiencing any kind of issues during the cold months, we are at your disposal.
