It is easy to forget about your furnace until something goes wrong. Trying to fix the system in the middle of the cold season can be frustrating. That is why you should ensure you schedule annual maintenance. Here are some of the benefits of a fall tune-up.
1. Fall Maintenance Ensures the Furnace Is Efficient
Fall maintenance will ensure that your furnace is working optimally to keep you comfortable throughout winter. A professional technician will check critical parts of the system and determine that they are working correctly.
Maintenance also involves troubleshooting airflow and confirming there are no clogs and air leaks. Blockages can make your furnace overheat, accelerating the breakdown of components. During fall maintenance, a technician can spot issues such as air leaks and duct problems. Connections to the ductwork may have faults due to poor installation. The ductwork can bend, creating spaces for air to escape.
It is crucial to address system malfunctions before the cold season begins. That way, you will know that the system is running efficiently going into the winter. It is estimated that fall maintenance can increase the efficiency of your AC/Heat system by 25%. An efficient unit offers more comfort for your family. You can call Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for a comprehensive maintenance service in Tucson.
2. Avoid Frequent Furnace Repairs
A furnace maintenance technician will have a checklist of the system’s components to test. This professional will conduct an inspection of the outdoor unit for blockages. The maintenance will also include testing the system’s compressor, contactors, relays and circuit board.
Your technician will examine the indoor unit’s blower assembly as well. If you have an older model, it’s advisable to change a fan belt that’s found to be defective. The motor also needs lubrication. Otherwise, it could cause noise and inefficiencies.
By fixing components of the system on time, fall maintenance helps to avoid recurring repair problems. Some issues are easy to troubleshoot, but if left unaddressed, they could trigger further complications.
For example, a technician can solve connection problems in a fast and cost-effective manner. Ignoring the issue could lead to component failure or electrical fire. Fall maintenance reduces the likelihood of such accidents occurring in the middle of the cold season.
3. Boost Safety to Protect Your Home
During the cold season, a lot of activities like cooking and heating take place indoors. Unfortunately, combustion in enclosed spaces produces carbon monoxide (CO) gas and other toxic fumes. Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for thousands of emergency room visits. In some cases, death results.
Therefore, a faulty furnace can pose a hazard to your home. One of the critical maintenance tasks is to check your system for gas leaks in the heat exchanger and ignition. Unburnt gases can escape into the interior. Fall furnace maintenance includes an inspection of the flue system, ignition and heat exchanger.
If you notice a yellow flame, your system could be at a high risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Another sign is soot accumulating around your furnace or moisture on windows, walls and other cold surfaces. Other signs that there is a high risk of carbon monoxide include:
- Corrosion on parts of the vent pipe
- Water leaking from the chimney or flue pipe
- No upward draft on the flue
- Rusting on pipe connections or equipment components
An aging AC/Heat system is often responsible for deteriorating indoor air quality in your home. If some occupants have allergies, dust, pet dander and other contaminants can pose a risk to their health. It is recommended that you change or clean your filter at least once a month. Of course, the filter will be changed during fall maintenance.
If you have an indoor air quality problem, you may want to consider acquiring a filtration system to eliminate pollutants. A technician can provide solutions to address indoor air pollution and restore safety during the tune-up process.
In the fall, you should inspect the fire and safety sensors. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so it is difficult to detect a leak without these sensors. Your technician will perform a test to ensure each device is safe.
It is also advisable to test each smoke detector every six months. It has a test button, and if it is working properly, pushing the button will produce a sound. If the device is faulty, consider calling a certified technician. Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can troubleshoot your system and perform a prompt repair anywhere in Tucson, AZ.
4. Reduce Running Costs of the System
If you skip maintenance, there is a high likelihood that the system will become inefficient over time. As your furnace struggles to heat the interior of your home, it will consume more energy. One sign that your system is not at its optimal performance level is a spike in your utility bills.
Another problem with skipping fall maintenance is that you risk voiding your warranty. Manufacturers require homeowners to have annual maintenance performed by a trained technician. Even if you could perform some of these tasks yourself, you’d still risk losing your warranty.
Replacing some parts of your equipment can be expensive. After the fall maintenance, you should keep all the records for when you need a replacement in the future. You can consult Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Tucson for any inquiries on AC/Heat system maintenance.
5. Prolong the Life of Your Equipment
Your furnace has a life expectancy of between 15 and 20 years, but that depends on how well you maintain it. Even a system that is only five years old can develop issues if you fail to service it annually.
One sign that your heating system is approaching the end of its life is that it struggles to provide adequate heat. You may notice cold and hot spots in different parts of your home. Another indication is that adjusting the thermostat does not improve your home’s comfort. Maintenance professionals can troubleshoot your thermostat and calibrate it for maximum energy savings.
Those are just some of the signs of an increasingly inefficient heating system. An inefficient furnace will compromise comfort, increase your utility bills and lead to multiple repairs. Therefore, fall maintenance is a worthwhile investment of your time and capital to prevent issues in the future.
Additionally, if your furnace is nearing the end of its useful life, maintenance technicians will offer insights on replacement. Acquiring a new furnace can be expensive, but it’s sometimes better than struggling with multiple repairs and rising utility bills. A professional evaluation is essential to determine if a replacement is necessary or if your equipment only needs repairs.
If you want an honest evaluation of your system, you can depend on Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Tucson. Our staff has earned a reputation for courtesy and professionalism, and we are always attentive to customer needs. As a Trane Comfort Dealer and Lennox Premier Dealer, we maintain the highest standards of service. Our team is available to provide a full range of heating, cooling, plumbing and indoor air quality services, including installation, repair and maintenance. We also perform duct cleaning. Call us today to schedule an appointment for any of these services.
