Many home and business owners aren’t quite sure when the best time of year is to get their furnaces tuned up. The simple answer is that every furnace and heating system should be tuned up at least once a year, but when is the best time?
Continue reading to learn valuable information about the vast importance of preventative furnace maintenance, what the process involves, and when is the best time of year to have the furnace tuned up. According to most HVAC professionals, the best time for furnace maintenance is in the early autumn.
Early furnace tune up
Having the furnace tuned up in the fall – before the cold temperatures of winter creep in – ensures that the heating system is ready to operate efficiently when users need it most. Users don’t want to wait until the middle of a brutally cold winter’s night to address their furnace’s need for repair.
During wintertime, furnaces typically operate 24 hours every day, and if they are struggling to perform efficiently enough to maintain the desired temperature, they might work so hard that they malfunction or break down completely. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the heating system is in effective working order well before the cold season hits.
Furnace Maintenance
Routine furnace preventative maintenance is crucial for the long-term efficiency of the HVAC system. Professional furnace maintenance typically includes:
- Assessing the temperature, air flow, and pressure of the heating system
- Cleaning the heat exchanger, burners, and blower
- Lubricating any moving parts that require it
- Ensuring all electrical connections are tight
- Checking all gas and plumbing lines
- Recalibrating the thermostat
- Changing the air filter
Like a vehicle or another mechanical device, the furnace and its related components need periodic preventive maintenance in order to live their best and longest lives.
User’s responsibilities
In between furnace maintenance appointments, users can help to keep their heating system running smoothly and efficiently by:
- Keeping the area around the furnace free of debris
- Checking the air filter monthly and changing it when needed
- Being attentive for any unusual noises or odors emanating from the heating system
Taking these simple steps on a regular basis will help keep users in touch with their furnace’s operational status so that they can seek professional assistance if it’s ever needed.
Early action is always important to avoid costly repairs. If users ever notice a problem, shut the system down and call the HVAC technician right away. A malfunctioning furnace can put users at risk of natural gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, and fire.
Benefits of Furnace Maintenance
There are loads of benefits associated with routine preventative maintenance for the furnace. Regular maintenance not only helps to increase the system’s efficiency but also enhances the home’s indoor air quality (IAQ), while also maximizing the lifespan of the heating system.
The advantages of regular furnace maintenance include:
- Helps to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of the heating system
- Saves users money with lower energy bills and the avoidance of costly repairs
- Preserves the manufacturer’s warranties on the equipment
And, perhaps, most importantly, having the furnace tuned up routinely will increase the well-being and peace of mind, knowing that user’s family, pets, home, and property are all better protected.
Atomatic Mechanical Services has been Chicagoland’s full-service mechanical contractor since 1945! They offer the highest quality workmanship, innovative engineering, and trustworthy service to home and business owners throughout this region.
