Anyone who has experienced a single Minnesota winter knows the value of a quality furnace. It can ensure your home remains an oasis of comfort. But that’s only when things are working like they’re supposed to. If your furnace experiences damage or a malfunction, it can disrupt the heating process.
In many cases, small issues won’t stop your furnace from working. But they can lead to increased strain, higher energy bills and more if left alone for too long. To truly get the most out of your heating, regular furnace maintenance should be provided. Just a few visits each year can have an immense effect on overall performance.
How Often Should a Furnace Be Serviced?
The amount of maintenance your furnace needs depends on the model as well as its age. A quality technician you can trust can recommend the ideal schedule. But in general, you should invest in at least one maintenance visit each year. For the best results, schedule maintenance for the fall. That way, you’ll know your furnace is ready for the heating season.
You could see further benefits by adding an additional maintenance visit in the spring. Even if your furnace is rarely being used at that time of year, it gives professional technicians an opportunity to spot signs of trouble. If we catch something, we can resolve it then and there before it becomes more expensive and frustrating to take care of.
Keep Your Warranty Valid, and Other Useful Benefits
Annual maintenance isn’t just preventive, stopping problems from cropping up. It can also result in immediate improvements to energy efficiency and overall performance.
Investing in 1-2 annual maintenance visits can provide the following benefits:
- Improved Energy Efficiency — With every part of your furnace in great shape, furnace maintenance can often lower energy use. You could see lower heating bills, which adds up to a lot of savings over the years.
- A Longer Life Span — Fewer problems and strain on your furnace help it live longer. A well-maintained furnace can last up to 30 years, providing reliable heating through them all.
- Maintains Your Warranty — Many furnace warranties won’t always cover the costs of repairs if you don’t ever take part in routine maintenance. A valid warranty is a useful tool for managing your HVAC equipment, so it’s important to keep yours in good standing.
A great way to enjoy all the benefits of annual furnace maintenance is through a comprehensive maintenance program. Ditter Heating, Cooling & Electrical can provide the furnace maintenance you need. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to show you how you could benefit from maintenance.
In fact, there are even ways you can help with maintenance on your own! Here’s a short checklist of some of the tasks you can do to keep your furnace running smoothly:
1. Change the Filter Regularly
Your furnace’s air filter is an important component. It stops dust and dirt from reaching sensitive components or circulating through ductwork. Change your filter every 2-3 months to keep it from getting clogged up. Professional maintenance often includes filter replacement, so you’ll only need to do this a couple times each year.
2. Keep Nearby Clean
Another preventive step you can take is keeping the area around your furnace clean and free of clutter. Debris and other foreign objects can fall into or against your furnace, leading to damage or strained components.
3. Learn to Recognize the Sounds of Trouble
Every furnace makes a little noise. After a few weeks of winter, you should have a good idea of what your furnace sounds like on a day-to-day basis. When something goes wrong, an odd or loud noise sometimes accompanies the problem. Recognizing what a malfunctioning furnace sounds like gives you the chance to act quickly.
Annual Maintenance Maximizes Furnace Performance
Don’t ignore furnace maintenance for a day longer! Even one visit a year can ensure smooth operation and fewer problems. The HVAC pros at Ditter Heating, Cooling & Electrical are ready to help. Learn more about our available maintenance programs or schedule an appointment by getting in touch with our staff.
Call Ditter today at 763-200-5055
