How Often to Have a Furnace Checked: Scheduling Guide

Furnace maintenance is vital for preventing damage to your heating system. Regular furnace inspections are one way to ensure your furnace gets the care it needs. Most homeowners frequently ask how often to have a furnace checked. HVAC professionals recommend having your furnace checked at least once annually to ensure optimal functionality.

The commonly recommended time for furnace inspections is before the start of winter. The period before winter is ideal for furnace inspections because it ensures your furnace will not fail when the icy weather arrives.

Furnaces are essential for keeping the house warm, and failure to have them periodically checked compromises their performance. Regular tune-ups will keep your furnace working and prevent unexpected performance failures.

This post will look at why annual furnace checkups are essential, the costs of a checkup, and some of the services you may get from our HVAC professionals in West Bend when you schedule a furnace inspection.

Reasons to Have Your Furnace Checked Regularly

Regular furnace maintenance will keep your furnace running efficiently throughout the winter season. Scheduling annual furnace inspections will ensure you and your family are not left in the cold when you need your furnace the most. If you are unsure how often to have a furnace checked, explore some reasons to schedule periodic furnace tune-ups below.

Reduces Energy Costs

Furnace checkups give HVAC technicians a chance to clean up the furnace and do maintenance work to improve its energy efficiency. A well-serviced furnace will consume less energy than a poorly maintained furnace, thus reducing your energy costs.

Maintains Functional Efficiency

If neglected, the mechanical components of your heating system may sustain wear and tear that could affect their functionality. An HVAC technician will replace any worn parts on your furnace during inspections and lubricate them to restore efficiency. 

Saves on Repair Costs

Scheduling a furnace inspection before winter ensures you detect and repair any system problems on time to avoid higher hourly charges during winter. Additionally, having your furnace checked exposes areas that need minor repairs, thus saving you costs on major repairs when you neglect maintenance.

Maintains Airflow

Periodic inspections can help ensure proper airflow in your heating system. Inspecting your furnace’s venting system will help resolve airflow restrictions that may strain your heating system. Fixing airflow restrictions will also extend your furnace’s lifespan and ensure you attain the desired heating for your home.

Maintains Your Furnace Warranty

Manufacturers’ warranties are voided where the damages on an HVAC system result from a lack of maintenance. Having your HVAC checked every year keeps your manufacturer’s warranty intact, saving on future costs.

Reduces Repairs

Regular HVAC inspections can help identify and resolve minor HVAC problems before they become major issues. Additionally, checkups allow for HVAC maintenance servicing such as cleaning and lubrication, which can prevent system malfunctions that call for repairs.

Promotes Safety

Furnace systems in most homes use natural gas or propane for fuel. An undetected furnace issue may result in a gas leak that could expose your home to high carbon monoxide levels. Exposure to carbon monoxide may pose multiple health and safety risks to you and your family. Therefore, we recommend scheduling periodic inspections to eliminate the possibility of a gas leak.

Maintains Good Air Quality

Filter checks are an essential part of HVAC inspections, which helps maintain excellent air quality in the home. Over time, dust and other allergens may accumulate in your heating system. During an inspection, an HVAC technician will replace dirty air filters to ensure the air in your home is free of contaminants.

Prevents Electric Malfunctions

Wire checks ensure your furnace’s wiring is not damaged or corroded. If your HVAC system has broken or loose wiring, you risk an electric malfunction that could lead to a fire. Inspecting and restoring damaged wiring in and around your furnace will protect you and your family from a fire hazard. 

Furnace Inspection Costs

Furnace inspection costs may determine how often to have a furnace checked. The average prices for periodic furnace inspections range between $80 and $100. However, if an HVAC technician checks your HVAC system and provides some maintenance services and repairs to keep it running well, you may have to pay higher costs for the system tune-up.

Some care services an HVAC company may offer alongside an annual furnace inspection include:

• Checking the condensate drain for clogs
• Cleaning the mechanical components of your furnace, such as the blower wheel, and replacing dirty filters to keep it running efficiently
• Lubricating mechanical parts
• Inspecting the controls on your furnace to ensure they meet safety requirements
• Checking and repairing or replacing damaged ductwork for optimal furnace performance
• Inspecting the electrical system and evaluating the voltage on each component in the system to prevent future malfunctions.
• Checking the on and off switch of your furnace to ensure it is operating effectively

Our HVAC technicians can provide these care services and more when you schedule a furnace maintenance appointment with us.  Learn more about furnace maintenance services you can get at Professional Services here.

Furnace Maintenance

The best answer to how often to have a furnace checked is as often as needed to maintain peak performance. Your family’s safety and comfort are paramount, so you must ensure your furnace is always in top shape.

Regular furnace tune-ups can help guarantee your furnace does not interfere with the comfort and safety of your household. Inspection routines such as fire and wiring checks will prevent various safety hazards. Other services like cleaning and repairs will keep your furnace in check, ensuring it continues to serve you for long.

At Professional Services, we offer comprehensive furnace maintenance services and annual tune-ups. Our technicians inspect your heating system, clean it, and make necessary adjustments and repairs to keep it running through the winter season.

A large percentage of heater failures during the winter result from a lack of consistent maintenance. We don’t want you to be among those who suffer in the winter cold due to a furnace failure. Call the HVAC experts at Professional Services at (262) 218-2636 to schedule a furnace and inspection maintenance appointment in Washington, WI.