2 Reasons Furnace Maintenance Is So Important

Keeping up with furnace maintenance is crucial for homeowners who want to avoid high repair costs, heating downtime, and potential health hazards. This post will explain the two biggest reasons why furnace maintenance is so important that it should be at the top of your winter to-do list.

1. Prevent the Effects of Furnace Neglect

If you're looking for the most cost-effective way to save on your energy bills, focusing on heating maintenance is a great place to start. Performing furnace maintenance diligently helps to keep your home safe and comfortable with a working furnace, but it also helps prevent damage that can be caused by neglecting your system. The essential furnace maintenance tasks that homeowners should perform are easy to do and can be counted on one hand. 

Clean or replace your furnace filter each month to prevent furnace overheating, and vacuum the inside of your furnace at least once or twice per year to remove dust buildup. An overheating furnace can pose a fire hazard and may suffer from premature component wear and unexpected breakdowns. Check the condensate drain pan each month to make sure it is clear of mold and debris; a clogged condensate drain can lead to water damage around your furnace when the pan overflows.

2. Protect Your Family's Health

In addition to keeping your furnace free of dust, the furnace filter helps to remove dust, pet dander, and other contaminants from the air you breathe inside your home. A dirty or damaged filter may allow these small particles to slip through, reducing your home's indoor air quality. Airborne contaminants can cause respiratory irritation, allergy symptoms, and worsen the effects of asthma.

Natural gas is invisible and, without special additives, odorless. While furnace gas leaks are very rare, they pose the risk of serious illness or death if undetected. Gas suppliers use a chemical called mercaptan to add a detectable odor to the gas that is delivered to you.

If you don't keep up with furnace maintenance, there is a greater risk of a furnace gas leak in your home. Maintenance to prevent gas leaks is best left in the hands of professionals. During a furnace inspection, your HVAC technician can identify and repair any problems that may potentially lead to a gas leak, such as corroded fittings or a hairline crack in the gas supply line. 

Proper maintenance is the most important factor to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently. Call a local HVAC contractor for an inspection and professional advice so you can be sure your furnace is getting the maintenance it needs!

For more information on heating services, contact a professional near you.

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