You head out of town for the weekend, making sure to turn down the heat before you leave to conserve energy. When you return, you come to find that your home has become uncomfortably chilly. You turn up the thermostat, of course, to get your heating system running again, only to find after waiting for it to get warm that the system is no longer working. It must have broken down while you were away. How could this have happened?
Nothing gives you a greater appreciation for your heating system than a sudden heating breakdown. Maybe your furnace has held up so far this winter; but if it’s making loud noises, or if some rooms in your home aren’t quite so warm, there is a chance it won’t last through the winter.
Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to minimize the chance of your furnace breaking down. The number-one way to keep your furnace running all winter is to schedule yearly furnace maintenance, or tune-ups. During an annual tune-up, an HVAC technician will inspect your furnace and make adjustments to keep it running at peak performance. This includes:
Checking for flaws in system components
Making sure harmful combustion fumes are being vented safely outside
Testing the heat exchanger for safe operation
Cleaning the blower and motor for maximum efficiency
Tightening all electrical connections
Lubricating all moving parts
Regular tune-ups for your furnace do more than simply keep your furnace running. They can actually extend the life of your furnace by eliminating problems before they start. You’ll save money by getting the most from your heating equipment and by avoiding costly, unexpected repairs.
Tune-ups also help your heating system run as efficiently as possible, reducing energy consumption and lowering your energy bills. They can even improve indoor air quality by keeping your home free of harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide.
If you want your furnace to go the distance this winter — and in many winters to come — be sure to make Russell’s your trusted heating expert. We simplify heating maintenance for Chesapeake, VA area homeowners with quick repairs, reliable service, and convenient maintenance plans. From simple System Safety and Efficiency Checks to complete furnace installation, our team of experts can take care of your heating system needs.