Here in the south, we rely heavily on our air conditioning, which in turn can have us neglecting another important part of the HVAC system: the trusty furnace. Just like your AC unit, your furnace needs some love in the form of regular maintenance too.
The team at McCullough Air Conditioning and Heating has professional advice to help you know when it’s time to schedule a tune-up for your furnace.
Why Does Your Furnace Need Regular Maintenance?
Aside from having a better performance in heating from your HVAC system, furnace tune-ups are essential for many reasons.
Us southerners aren’t the bravest when it comes to bracing the cold, so we tend to ramp up our heaters in the winter months. Ensuring that your furnace is regularly maintained can increase energy efficiency and save money on utility bills. It can also increase the lifespan of your unit as well as decrease the possibility of a breakdown.
Failing to have your furnace maintained can, in extreme cases, have catastrophic consequences. You and the residents of your home could be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning if your furnace is overdue for an inspection. Better to be safe than leaving it to chance.
What Happens During A Furnace Tune-Up?
Much like an AC tune-up, a professional will inspect the furnace in its entirety to ensure:
- Preventative Maintenance
- Safety
- Clean Air
- Proper Airflow
- Energy Efficiency
How To Know It’s Time For A Tune-Up
It can be difficult to pick up on signs of a faulty furnace before the cooler seasons, but here are a few clues to look for before dusting off your furnace for the fall.
Difficulty Starting Up
The first chilly night of the season has arrived and you’re excited to crank up the heat and be cozy. Without proper service, that warmth may be more difficult to obtain. If your furnace hasn’t had a tune-up since the last cool season, chances are you should schedule one before you need to rely on it. Otherwise, bundle up!
Persistent Odor
If you turn your system on for the first time in a year and you notice a burning fuel smell, don’t panic. Most furnaces emit this odor as a way of dusting itself off after the year it spent off. The longer it runs, the more the smell should dissipate.
A good sign that your furnace needs a check-up, however, is if the smell persists long after you’ve turned it on. The kind of smell that can’t be masked with any number of fall candles.
Faulty Thermostat
Your HVAC system and thermostat always need to see eye-to-eye. If you notice that your thermostat is not controlling the temperature or it reads what may clearly be an incorrect temperature, chances are they’re disconnected.
In a furnace tune-up, a technician will perform a couple’s therapy session and reconnect the two.
Detectors Go Off
Every home should be equipped with a detector that is meant to sound in the wake of a carbon-monoxide or gas leak. Inhalation of these gases can be fatal to those inside, and any time this detector goes off in your home you are urged to call a professional immediately to locate the source of the gas.
As a preventative measure, a tune-up will include assured sealing of any cracks where gas may escape and enter the home.
Your Heater Isn’t Heating
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your furnace needs maintenance is if your home doesn’t feel properly heated. Don’t sacrifice your comfort by neglecting to give your heating system a check-up.
Contact Us!
Contact the pros at McCullough AC to make sure your furnace is ready for fall!