Furnaces are a worthwhile investment, but, like any homeowner, you want to get the most value and use out of your furnace. To avoid spending money on a new furnace too soon, you can save thousands of dollars with annual furnace maintenance. Regular furnace maintenance helps identify heating repairs before your furnace ever breaks down. It can extend the lifespan of your furnace and maximize your comfort and budget in the long run because it helps your furnace consistently operate at peak performance.
At Mountain Heating & Cooling, we’re your Bozeman HVAC experts and know how to keep your furnace running smoothly with annual furnace maintenance. Read on as we explain how furnaces work, what can happen if furnace maintenance is neglected, steps you can take to prevent your furnace from performing poorly, and the benefits of staying on top of regular furnace maintenance.
Annual Furnace Maintenance: Keep Your Home Warm & Cozy
Furnaces & Their Advantages
In Bozeman, Montana, furnaces are an excellent heating solution for your home. A furnace works by burning propane or oil to quickly produce heat in collaboration with a heat exchanger inside the furnace unit. The heat produced from combustion within the heat exchanger is then transferred throughout a home’s ductwork through forced air. The result is a warm home that stays evenly and efficiently heated.
In addition to warming your home quickly, furnaces have many benefits that make them a good option for home heating, such as::
- They are energy efficient and can save costs on your utility bills.
- Filtration systems within a furnace can help improve air quality and reduce allergens within your home.
- Newer furnaces use less fuel or can be electric, making them an environmentally friendly heating option.
The Cost of Neglecting Your Furnace
Furnaces are known for having long lifespans. A well-maintained furnace has more than 20 years of longevity, so, typically, there is no need to worry about replacing it anytime soon. However, furnaces can break down if they are not maintained, costing homeowners a pretty penny in furnace repair services. If the neglect is extreme, a homeowner may have to invest in an entirely new furnace.
Here’s what can happen if you fail to properly maintain your furnace:
- Overlooked furnaces have decreased energy and operating efficiency because they must work much harder to heat your home.
- Neglected furnaces operate inefficiently, so they have to constantly run to maintain your home’s warmth. This can cause your monthly energy bills to soar.
- In the worst-case situations, a furnace that is not regularly maintained can become a safety hazard, causing issues like carbon monoxide leaks. Every year thousands of people end up in the ER due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fortunately, most furnace problems are preventable if you take proactive steps.There are several actions you can take to help avoid furnace troubles.
Steps to Prevent Poor Furnace Performance
If you want to keep your furnace performing at its best, here are a few boxes you can check off to prevent potential furnace issues:
1. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Furnaces use air filters to remove impurities such as debris and pollutants from the air before it is filtered into your furnace. Clogged air filters can damage your furnace’s compressor and keep your HVAC system from running correctly. We recommend changing your furnace air filter every one to three months. It is best to change 1″ filters every month and 4″ filters every three months. If you need assistance changing your air filters, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals—we’re here to lend a hand with your HVAC needs!
2. Check Your Furnace’s Air Ducts and Vents
If visible, make sure your air ducts are securely fastened together. Look for any loose connections, cracks, or moisture buildup. Excess moisture on air vents can indicate a more serious problem, such as growing mold, which can be hazardous to your health and require immediate professional service.
When inspecting your vents, look for dust buildup. You can easily remove vent covers and vacuum them clean. Doing so will help improve your home’s air quality. However, it is a good practice to have a professional HVAC technician do a deep cleaning and inspect your home’s entire air duct and vent system at least every other year.
3. Stay on Top of Annual Furnace Maintenance
Have your furnace inspected by a certified Bozeman heating and cooling professional. Trained technicians can often spot malfunctions that might not be common to an untrained eye. It can save costs by identifying furnace problems before they become furnace disasters. At Mountain Heating & Cooling, we offer preferred membership agreements in Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans so our customers can easily get the maintenance they need without worrying about hassle or expense.
Benefits Of Scheduling Annual Furnace Maintenance
Scheduling annual furnace maintenance has benefits every homeowner should take advantage of. By proactively caring for your furnace, you are ultimately ensuring your home stays comfortable all year round. It also minimizes the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns or unwelcome emergencies you may encounter. Regular maintenance of your furnace can save you both time and money over the lifespan of your heating system.
7 Advantages of Regular Furnace Maintenance:
- Increases the longevity of your furnace investment.
- Ensures maximum airflow to each room.
- Reduces chances of costly future replacements.
- Improves energy efficiency, which reduces your utility bill.
- Keeps you and your family safe from hazardous situations.
- Reduces in-home allergens.
- Keeps you warm and happy during Montana’s cold winters.
Ready To Schedule Furnace Maintenance?
At Mountain Heating & Cooling, we are your Bozeman heating and cooling experts. Our licensed technicians receive extensive furnace installation and repair training and certification. Our team of professionals will ensure that your furnace runs smoothly and safely so you have peace of mind. Don’t put it off; reach out and schedule an appointment today. We have you covered!