Is it that time of year already?
Yes, it’s fall—or will be when you read this. That doesn’t mean an instant change in the weather, but it means the change is coming. Time to schedule the most important heating service in Akron, OH of all: an annual maintenance inspection and tune-up. Annual furnace maintenance is essential to keep your system running efficiently and to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
“Does it have to be annual?” you might ask. “I didn’t have any troubles with my heating system last year, so can I just skip it this time?”
What Are the Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance?
- Improves safety: Annual inspections catch gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, and faulty ignition before they become dangerous.
- Prevents repairs: Over 50% of furnace repairs result from missed maintenance—tune-ups help avoid half of those issues.
- Extends lifespan: Regular upkeep helps your furnace reach its full life expectancy—15 years for gas, and 20 years for electric units.
- Boosts efficiency: Cleaning, lubricating, and tightening components keeps energy use and heating costs lower.
- Maintains warranty: Manufacturers typically require yearly maintenance to keep warranties valid.
The heater needs this service each year. In fact, you want your heating system to have it annually, even if you don’t know it right now. A well maintained furnace operates more efficiently, lasts longer, and helps you save on energy costs and repairs. Below, we’ll explain why regular heating maintenance is both necessary and hugely beneficial. Schedule regular maintenance to ensure your system remains reliable and efficient throughout the season.
Maintenance helps keeps your heater working safely
When it comes to home heating, safety comes first. Always, always, always. The majority of local heating systems are gas furnaces, and any gas-powered appliance, most commonly using natural gas, requires regular maintenance to ensure it works within safety parameters. A gas furnace isn’t an inherently dangerous heating system, but you keep it that way with annual inspections that can catch issues early, like those outlined in this guide on gas furnace safety concerns. During these inspections, be sure to check the pilot light for proper operation, inspect for any signs of a gas leak such as a yellow burner flame, and ensure the gas valve is properly shut off before performing any maintenance. Always shut down the furnace safely by turning off electrical power and closing the gas valve to prevent accidents. When inspecting the combustion chamber, look for buildup or residue from combustion gases, as this can affect furnace performance and safety.
Maintenance keeps away most repairs
And we do mean most. Studies have shown that more than 50% of the repairs a heating system needs during its lifetime are due to maintenance neglect. Think about what that means: if you have routine heating maintenance, you’ll eliminate more than half the repairs you would have otherwise had to pay for, not to mention the inconvenience of having the heater temporarily out of commission. You’ll also avoid the hassle of unexpected breakdowns, which often point to early warning signs of serious furnace problems. Enrolling in a maintenance plan can help prevent future repairs by identifying and addressing potential issues early, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Maintenance gives a heater a longer service life
Without maintenance, a heating system may only last half of its estimated service life. Even a new furnace needs regular maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as expected. That can mean a furnace you’d expect to get a solid 15 years of heating from may end up dying on you after only eight years. You don’t want that, and the 50% furnace replacement rule is the best way to help your heater reach the fullest extent of its useful life. Scheduling an annual furnace inspection and upkeep is essential to maximize the service life of your heating system. You don’t want that, and maintenance is the best way to help your heater reach the fullest extent of its useful life.
Maintenance keeps heating costs lower
The amount of strain put on a heating system each winter will cause parts to wear down and become dirty, which negatively impacts energy efficiency and the heating system’s efficiency. This affects how efficiently the heater can operate, and consequently how much it costs to run. Regular maintenance helps in reducing energy consumption and lowering energy costs. Maintenance prevents the heater from going into an efficiency decline that will cause your utility bills to rise each year. By keeping the system’s efficiency high, regular maintenance is key to saving money over time.
Maintenance keeps the warranty valid
The manufacturer’s warranty on your heating system probably requires the system receive regular maintenance. Missing maintenance will void the warranty, causing you to lose this important consumer protection. You don’t want to get caught paying for a repair or replacement that the warranty would have covered just because you skipped maintenance one fall.
Understanding Your Furnace: Key Components That Need Attention
To keep your heating system running efficiently, it’s important to know which furnace components need regular attention. The heat exchanger is at the heart of your furnace, transferring heat safely into your home. If it develops cracks or corrosion, it can lead to costly repairs or even emergency repairs due to potential safety risks. The blower motor is responsible for moving warm air through your ducts, and if it’s not working properly, you might notice uneven heating or higher utility bills. Burner flames also need to be checked to ensure they’re burning cleanly and efficiently. By understanding these key parts and ensuring they’re inspected and maintained, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns, reduce the risk of major repairs, and keep your energy bills in check.
Inspecting the Combustion Chamber: Why It Matters
The combustion chamber is where your furnace generates heat, making it a critical area for inspection during a furnace tune up. Over time, soot, debris, or even small cracks can develop, reducing your furnace’s efficiency and potentially leading to higher energy bills. More importantly, a compromised combustion chamber can allow carbon monoxide to escape, posing a serious health risk. During a professional furnace tune, a qualified HVAC technician will carefully inspect and clean the combustion chamber, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency and helping to improve indoor air quality. Regular attention to this component not only helps prevent costly repairs but also reduces energy consumption and keeps your home’s air quality safe.
Blower Blades and Air Circulation: The Heart of Efficient Heating
The blower blades and air circulation system are vital for distributing warm air evenly throughout your home. If the blower blades become dirty or damaged, airflow is restricted, causing your furnace to work harder and driving up your energy bills. Regular furnace maintenance includes cleaning the blower compartment and checking the blower blades for wear, which helps maintain strong airflow and keeps your heating system running efficiently. A well-maintained blower also means quieter operation and better air quality, as dust and debris are less likely to circulate through your home. By keeping up with regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy lower utility bills, improved indoor air quality, and a more comfortable living space all winter long.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance: What’s Best for Your System?
While some basic DIY maintenance, like changing furnace air filters, can help keep your system running smoothly, there’s no substitute for professional furnace maintenance services. A qualified HVAC technician has the expertise to inspect and clean critical components such as the heat exchanger and combustion chamber, ensuring your system is safe and operating at peak efficiency. Professional maintenance can help you save money on energy bills, prevent costly repairs, and improve indoor air quality by addressing issues you might miss on your own. Scheduling regular professional maintenance, especially before the heating season begins, gives you peace of mind and helps your furnace deliver reliable, efficient heat when you need it most. Don’t leave your comfort and safety to chance, schedule furnace maintenance annually to keep your system in top shape.
Schedule maintenance with the Crown Comfort Club
We have your heating maintenance ready to go, as well as your air conditioning maintenance. All you have to do is join the Crown Comfort Club. Not only will you receive regular maintenance visits, but you’ll also enjoy special benefits such as discounts on repairs and service calls.
Schedule heating maintenance today with Crown Group Ohio: Your Comfort Experts Since 1963.
