Fall is here, and with it comes changing leaves, shorter days, and cooler temperatures. There still may be some days that reach into the 60s, but it won’t be long before it gets cold, and you’ll need to turn on your furnace.
If you’re wondering if you should get a tune-up for your furnace, the answer is yes—and now is the best time to get it done. You don’t want to risk something happening with your heating system when winter rolls around, as this can make the cold days seem even worse. Below are the reasons why you should have a fall furnace tune-up.
- Ensure It’s Working Properly
More than likely, you haven’t run your heater all summer. There probably wasn’t a need to. After it’s been sitting for so many months, getting it inspected will ensure that it’s working the way it should. It can also be a chance to get it cleaned out. It may have been exposed to dust and other debris, so get this taken care of, so the heater runs optimally.
- Reduce the Chance of Breakdowns
If you call in a professional to check out your heater this fall, they will be able to tell if components need to be replaced. It’s much easier to take care of these things now, when the weather is still decent, instead of when it’s exceedingly cold outside. A fall tune-up will reduce the chances of breakdowns happening and keep your heating running all through winter.
- Extend the Life of the Heater
If you prioritize taking care of your things, they will last longer. Thus, having a fall tune-up done on your heater will extend it’s life. If you don’t maintain your heater, this will lead to dust and debris build-up, which can cause damage and failure. Once that happens, you’ll be looking at paying for a whole new system—and that will cost a lot more than having a tune-up done.
- Lower Your Utility Bills
If your heater is dirty, it will have to work harder to keep your home warm. Working harder means using more energy, and this will have an impact on your utility bill. If you’re like most people, you don’t want to have to spend more than necessary on your bills, so get a tune-up to keep your payments reasonable.
- Keep Your Warranty in Effect
If you have a warranty on your heater, then you need to have a fall tune-up. If you don’t, this could void your warranty. Issues that occur in the future will have to be paid for out of pocket if that happens.
Most warranties require you to have a licensed professional come in and check out your heater. This is worth the time and money to keep your appliance protected. If they find that something is wrong, it can be taken care of and could be covered. That means that you’ll have a heater that runs the way it should, and you don’t have to pay to get it fixed.
Bonus Reasons
In case the five reasons listed above weren’t enough to encourage you to get your heater tuned up this fall, here are some other reasons why you should get this critical task taken care of as soon as possible.
Saves Money
Paying for a professional to check out your heater every year will cost a lot less than having to pay for a new heater when it breaks down. These items aren’t cheap, so you need to do what you can to ensure that it lasts for a long time. Paying a small amount now is worth it in the long run.
Safety
Other things could happen with your furnace other than it not heating your home correctly, including carbon monoxide leaks. This can have a huge impact on your health, including giving you headaches, nausea/vomiting, weakness, and hallucinations. If left unfixed, it could even lead to death.
By having your furnace tuned up and inspected once a year, you can catch any carbon monoxide leaks that might be occurring. You and your family’s health should be worth having this step done. It could (literally) save your life.
What the Tune-Up Entails
When you have a professional come to your home for a fall furnace tune-up, there are certain things you can expect them to do. They may do some other things as well, depending on the type of furnace you have. However, these steps are pretty typical when it comes to a furnace tune-up.
Check the Vents
A professional will go in and check the vents to ensure that they are clear and free from blockages. If they are clogged, this could impact how your furnace performs. It may make it work harder than necessary, or it could also lead to a fire hazard. If these parts are super dirty, they will clean them out.
Inspect the Thermostat
For this step, the technician will check the thermostat to ensure it is operating properly and calibrated correctly. If not, this can impact how efficiently your heater runs. A malfunctioning thermostat could lead to your furnace not running long enough, keeping your house chilly, or running too long, increasing your utility bills.
Replacing the Air Filter
Ideally, the air filter in your furnace should be replaced every few months. It traps and prevents dust and other debris from getting into the system. If it is clogged, your heater won’t work the way it’s supposed to, which means that you may not be getting as much hot air throughout your home as you need.
Check for Gas Leaks
As mentioned, gas leaks can have a huge impact on your health. When your furnace gets tuned up, the technician will ensure that no gas is leaking. If there is a problem, they will do what they can to keep you and your family safe.
Check the Other Components
During the fall furnace tune-up, all furnace components will be inspected, including the burner, heat exchange, and the appliance’s interior and exterior. If any issues are found, these will be corrected to allow your furnace to function optimally.
Schedule Your Appointment
Now is the best time to schedule an appointment to have your furnace tuned up. Call Wade Heating, Cooling & Geothermal today! Be sure to ask about our Priority Service Plan that will save you money and includes many great incentives for regular furnace tune-ups and maintenance.
