If you own a home with a furnace, you may be wondering if it is necessary to have it cleaned regularly. The short answer is yes. While there are many important home maintenance tasks to keep up with, one task that often gets overlooked is furnace cleaning. You may be tempted to wait until you notice signs of a larger problem, however, having your furnace serviced regularly can help to ensure your system is working correctly and that you are safe from carbon monoxide leaks. Simply put, regular furnace cleaning and maintenance protects and prevents larger more costly issues from appearing down the road. Read on to learn more about the importance of furnace cleaning and why you should consider regular inspections/maintenance on your residential system.
Why Is Furnace Cleaning Necessary?
In order to understand the importance of furnace cleaning, it will be crucial to begin by considering how your furnace operates. Basically, your furnace heats air and then circulates it throughout your home. Thus, any dust, dirt, dander, pollen, and/or debris present in the air are picked up by the furnace, slowly accumulating inside, and then being spread around every time the heat kicks on. Once a significant accumulation is present inside the system, it may begin to affect the health of you and your family. Dust, dander, and pollen can quickly lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies, in addition to an uptick in colds and other viruses that are sticking around and being recirculated all throughout your home.
If the health considerations weren’t enough, consider that a dirty furnace will cause you to have a dirty home. No matter how often you clean, if your furnace is constantly kicking out more grime, you will be fighting an uphill battle with dust and dirt.
Additionally, if you fail to keep up with regular maintenance, a heavy build up could create issues with the efficiency of your furnace, causing it to run longer than necessary in order to reach the desired level of warmth. This will, of course, result in higher than usual energy bills. Not to mention, the increased strain caused by a dirty system will likely cause it to break down and go bad prematurely, costing you big in the long run.
For peak performance, longevity, and a healthy, clean home, regular service and cleanings are an integral part of furnace maintenance.
How Often Should My Furnace Be Cleaned?
After gaining a fuller understanding of the importance of having your furnace cleaned, you may be wondering how often it is necessary to do so. Thankfully, most people can get away with an annual or bi-annual servicing of their system. It is recommended that you have your furnace maintained by a professional prior to the start of the cold season and following the cold season should you choose bi-annual maintenance. Whenever you choose to have your furnace serviced prior to the start of winter, you ensure that all dirt and debris are cleared away so your system can function at peak efficiency. Additionally, the professionals can identify any preventative measures that should be taken or repairs that need to be made, protecting your investment from damage or more costly repairs down the road.
How Can I Recognize If My Furnace Needs Cleaning?
If you choose not to have regular maintenance done on your furnace, it will be important to recognize when it needs cleaning. One of the most obvious signs that your system is full of dirt is a decrease in the system’s efficiency in heating your home. If you notice that the system is running longer than usual or that areas of your home are becoming colder than they used to be, this could be a sign it’s time to call in the professionals. Additionally, if you notice an increase in dust or dirt in your home, elevated utility bills (without an explanation), a moist air filter, or uneven/restricted airflow it is likely your furnace desperately needs attention. Lastly, if you begin to notice strange noises coming from the system, such as rattling or popping noises this often signifies an accumulation of debris and that your system should be serviced immediately.
Should I Have My Furnace Serviced After Purchasing a New Home?
Yes, anytime you purchase a new home, you should immediately have your heating system serviced. The reality is that you do not know how the previous owners took care of the heating system. Instead of risking your health or damage to your system due to irregular maintenace, err on the side of caution and have your heating system serviced immediately upon taking possession of the property.
What Are the Benefits of Having My Furnace Serviced Regularly?
There are many great reasons to consider having your furnace serviced regularly. Consider them below:
1.) Protect Your Warranty – Most furnace manufacturers provide a warranty on their product for a specified period of time. However, these warranties are often voided if the system is not serviced at least once annually. Ensure you keep your service records up to date, so your warranty is protected should something go wrong down the road.
2.) Reduced Energy Bills – When your furnace is well maintained, it will run at peak efficiency, meaning you will be using less energy and resources to heat your home. This can result in lowered utility bills over time.
3.) Longer System Life – A regularly serviced system will last longer than one that has not been serviced due to the prevention of major repairs and the proper lubrication of the furnace’s moving parts.
4.) Improved Air Quality – Cleaning your furnace will help to reduce allergens and dust in the air, improving the overall air quality in your home and the health of your family.
5.) Prevent Breakdowns – A trained technician will be able to identify any parts that are worn or at risk of breaking, allowing you to get ahead of any problems, so you can avoid losing your heating source during the dead of winter.
Ultimately, keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance is the best way to keep your home healthy, warm, and comfortable, year after year.
Should I Make the Investment?
Yes! After learning more about the why behind having your furnace cleaned and the many benefits of doing so, don’t wait another day. Contact a professional and get on the schedule to have your home’s furnace cleaned. You won’t be sorry!
