October 20, 2020

You have seen the ads on Facebook, gotten the flyers in the mail, and maybe even seen the billboards. Every heating and cooling company in the area seems to be advertising fall maintenance and furnace tune-ups.

But are these really worth your time and money? Believe it or not, a furnace is much like every other mechanical device out there. The better you care for it over time, the better it will run, the longer it will last, and the lower your repair and energy bills will be.

Here are just a few examples of why you should schedule your fall HVAC maintenance visit.

Avoid Expensive Emergency Repairs

One of the biggest headaches homeowners face during the winter is the unexpected furnace breakdown. It usually happens during the coldest part of the winter, and almost always in the middle of the night. This can mean premium service charges for after-hour calls.

Add to those premium charges that many of these repairs could have been avoided in the first place. For instance, did you know that circulating fans tend to loosen over time, allowing for extra vibration? That extra vibration increases the wear on the fan, causing it to fail prematurely.

In addition to tightening everything down, a tech will also look for signs of impending failure. This could be a loose electrical connection, an extended delay in igniting, and many other things. This identifies problems early, allowing you to plan for the repair and prevent undue stress on your entire system.

Breathe Easier and Stay Healthy

One very common complaint about running the furnace over the winter is sinus congestion. This is understandable considering what running the furnace does to the air.

First, the furnace is going to further dry the air from the already seasonally dry conditions. This means that the dust that floats around your home stays in the air longer, causing more problems with allergies.

Further, air moving through the system picks up the dryer dust that has collected throughout the ducts over the summer and brings it back into the air. This is the perfect environment to set off even mild allergies to dust and mold.

During your fall maintenance, a technician will clean the heat exchanger and circulating fans. This further reduces some key areas for dust to collect and get picked back up. You may also want to look at having your ducts professionally cleaned every two to three years. This is not included in furnace maintenance.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

We have all heard about the dangers of carbon monoxide. It is an odorless, tasteless gas that is extremely lethal to people and animals. You want to do everything you can to reduce the risk of your family’s exposure.

Unfortunately, furnaces produce this toxic gas, and there isn’t much you can do to avoid it. However, when these systems work properly, the carbon monoxide is effectively vented outside, where it dissipates.

During a maintenance visit, your technician will look for a couple of things to help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide leaking into your house. First, they will look at your heat exchanger to make sure there are no cracks. This is the biggest threat for a leak in carbon monoxide.

Next, they will inspect your exhaust fan and ensure it is running effectively. They’ll also check for signs the exhaust pipe is blocked. If the system is running correctly, it should fail to ignite; if the exhaust fan is malfunctioning, however, strange things do happen.

Finally, they will check your combustion chamber for any signs of damage, such as cracks. The carbon monoxide is actually produced when the natural gas is burned. If some damage is found, you need to have it professionally repaired to ensure the unit can run safely.

Central Missouri’s Proven HVAC Professionals

When it comes to the safety of your home, you want to be sure the people doing the work are experts. You also want to be sure they will take the time needed to do the job right the first time.

Bone Heating & Cooling has been the trusted provider for eastern Missouri for more than 40 years. Our NATE-certified team provides exceptional service, ranging from fall and spring maintenance to full heating and cooling installations. Our customers’ satisfaction is how our team maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call to schedule your fall maintenance today so you can rest comfortably this winter.

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