Keeping your furnace in top shape isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety, savings, and preventing costly breakdowns. By doing an annual professional maintenance, you can ensure your home stays warm and your system runs efficiently for years to come. It’s worth understanding why this routine is so critical for every homeowner:

• Boosts efficiency and lowers energy bills: A clean, well-maintained furnace doesn’t work as hard, resulting in lower utility bills

• Extends the system’s lifespan: Regular maintenance minimizes wear and tear on your unit, helping extend its lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
• Prevents inconvenient breakdowns: An annual inspection can catch small issues before they escalate into a major, costly repair in the winter.
• Enhances safety: A professional technician can inspect gas leaks and check the heat exchanger for cracks, preventing carbon monoxide leaks.
• Maintains warranty coverage: Many furnace manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep your warranty valid.

Furnace maintenance performed by a professional technician seasonally (End of Summer/Beginning of fall):

• Replace or clean the air filter:  A clogged filter restricts airflow, strains your system, and reduces indoor air quality. Check it monthly and replace it when it appears dirty.
• Clear the area around the furnace: Ensure three feet of space is clear around your furnace. This provides proper ventilation and prevents fire hazards.
• Inspect and clean vents: Check that all supply and return air vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.

These Tasks should be performed annually by an HVAC professional.  They will perform a comprehensive inspection that includes:

• Cleaning the burners to ensure proper combustion.
• Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion.
• Checking safety controls, such as the limit switch and gas valve.
• Lubricating moving parts to prevent wear and tear.
• Test for gas leaks and measure carbon monoxide levels.
• Calibrating the thermostat for accuracy.
• Test your carbon monoxide detectors: These devices are your first line of defense against a potentially deadly carbon monoxide leak.
• Inspect external vents: Ensure the exhaust flue and air intake pipes are free of leaves, dirt, or other blockages.

It’s important to note that the end of summer and/or the start of fall is the ideal time to schedule a maintenance call for your furnace. These tasks are best performed by a professional HVAC company like Comfort Professionals. As stated above, ensuring your furnace is working properly is a matter of safety first. A professional checkup of your furnace will ensure that the unit is working properly. Let the professionals at Comfort Professionals inspect your furnace today. Contact us at 770-756-5600 or request service on our website at comfortprofessionals.com.