HVAC experts claim that 75 percent of furnace service calls stem from a lack of proper upkeep. The majority of those calls come because furnaces aren’t providing heat as chillier winter temperatures creep into the house.

To avoid making those no heat calls, you’ll need regular furnace maintenance. But how often should that service happen? 

Don’t Forget Your Furnace

It’s easy to overlook these important pieces of equipment, considering many are tucked away in a basement or crawl space. But regular maintenance is the key to an efficient HVAC system.

“HVAC” stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The unit provides cooling, heating, and ventilation for your building. The heating element for most HVAC units is a furnace.

Natural gas furnaces remain the most prevalent space heating equipment, particularly up north. According to the US Energy Information Administration, over 60 percent of homes in cold to very cold climates use a natural gas furnace as the main heat source for the winter.

These furnaces burn fuel to create the heat that warms your home. In the hotter and more humid region of the Southeast, electric furnaces are more common. But regardless of the type of heating equipment, regular maintenance remains integral. 

How Often to Service Your Furnace

You might not think about your furnace for months at a time, but when you need it, you want to make sure it works. Like a convertible that might hibernate in the garage for the winter, a furnace needs a tune-up before you start it after months of neglect.

Some of the often preventable problems gas furnaces face include dirty air filters, faulty pilot lights, and cracked heat exchangers. These issues run the gamut of cost and concern. While a dusty air filter might force the unit to work harder, heat exchanger cracks could leak hazardous toxins such as carbon monoxide into your home.

To avoid these issues, service your furnace at least once a year. Ideally, maintenance calls happen twice a year, once in the Spring and once more in the Fall. These calls should include the inspection and cleaning of the air filter, pilot light, and heat exchanger, especially since they are the most common to malfunction.

The benefits of regular maintenance of your furnace go well beyond just avoiding a no heat issue. Preventative service calls help avoid sudden, costly breakdowns. These calls also aid in increasing energy efficiency, which in turn helps reduce power bills. Having these routine tune-ups also extends the life of your furnace and your entire HVAC system.

Need a Reliable HVAC Company?

Does your furnace need a tune-up ahead of the winter season? Our HVAC team can conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning of your unit to avoid those costly breakdowns and make sure your home stays nice and warm.

Contact us today to request a service or get a free estimate. We offer preventative maintenance plans to help keep your equipment operating efficiently.