As the temperature drops in San Antonio, TX, furnaces become essential to keeping our homes warm and comfortable. If you don’t want to be left out in the cold, you need to think about scheduling regular maintenance. With this service, you can make sure your furnace continues to perform in a safe and efficient manner. How often should you get your furnace serviced? Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Recommended Frequency of Furnace Maintenance Visits
Several factors influence the time and number of service visits your furnace should see. The age of your furnace is something that you will want to consider. Older furnaces may need to be serviced more often, while newer models can go longer between maintenance checks.
Another factor to consider is your usage patterns. If you live in an area with harsh winters and your furnace works hard to keep your home warm, you may need to service it more frequently. Also, if your furnace works year-round to heat and cool your home, then you might want to schedule two visits each year.
Your location and climate also play a role in determining the frequency of furnace servicing. Furnaces located in harsher climates can experience extra stress, leading to more wear and tear. As a result, they may require more frequent servicing.
In most cases, the general guideline is to have your furnace serviced annually. You will want to get this done before the start of the cold season. A maintenance visit will ensure your furnace is in optimal condition to keep you warm during the winter.
What Is the Best Time to Schedule a Visit?
Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace operates at its most efficient level. By scheduling maintenance visits at the right time, you can identify and address any issues before they become major problems. Here are some optimal times to schedule your furnace maintenance visits:
Fall
Fall is the time right before the peak winter season when you rely on your furnace to warm up your home. By servicing your furnace in the fall, you can ensure it is in top condition for those colder months.
Additionally, scheduling maintenance in the fall allows you to avoid the rush of homeowners who wait until winter to have their furnaces serviced. As a result, it may be easier to schedule an appointment that is convenient for you. It may also lead to faster response times from the HVAC company you’re working with.
During your fall maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will inspect your system, check the heat exchanger, and ensure all components work correctly. They will also clean the burners and inspect the filters to ensure they are clean and ready to remove particulates.
If the technician finds any issues, they can be addressed before the start of winter, helping to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns during the peak heating season.
Spring
Spring is another good time to schedule furnace system maintenance. During this season, the weather is warmer, and you are less likely to need your furnace unit. Scheduling maintenance in the spring can help identify any issues that may have popped up during the winter months. You can address them before preparing your furnace unit for hibernation during the summer.
During your spring maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will inspect your system and check for any issues that may have developed during the winter. This is the time to make sure the unit did not sustain any damage during those chilly months. They will also clean the burners and check the filters to ensure they are prepared for the next heating season. Remember, some spring days can still be quite cold. You want to know that your furnace can take the chill out of the air.
You might be thinking about putting off a winter maintenance appointment. During the winter, technicians are handling emergencies and other issues with heating systems and furnaces. Sometimes, they do not have available appointments to make a maintenance visit call. You might have to wait a few weeks for a technician to inspect your system, but don’t put off service for too long. If you’ve noticed something a bit off with your system, call an experienced HVAC professional as soon as possible. Some companies will prioritize their clients based on the importance of the issue.
What Happens During a Service Visit?
When an HVAC technician visits for furnace maintenance, they perform a series of tasks to make sure that your furnace is functioning at its best. The process starts with a total inspection of the furnace. They will check all moving parts. If the technician detects any problems during the inspection, they will work to find a solution.
The next step is to clean the furnace system. Over time, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other airborne particles can accumulate inside your heating system, hampering its operation. By cleaning your equipment, the technician enhances your home’s energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Finally, the technician will examine your unit’s duct system for any obstructions or air leaks. They will also inspect the heat exchanger to determine whether it has cracks or general damage. Regular maintenance visits can help prolong the life of your furnace and prevent yearly losses in heating efficiency.
Do You Need a Professional for the Job?
While do-it-yourself (DIY) maintenance has the potential to save you money, it should never replace professional service. Certified technicians possess the skills to identify and address complex issues that may be overlooked during DIY maintenance.
Professional technicians have the necessary training and certification to handle complex HVAC issues. They are knowledgeable about different HVAC systems and can accurately diagnose and fix problems. This experience ensures that your system is repaired correctly the first time, saving you time and potentially costly future repairs.
They conduct full inspections of critical components, such as the combustion chamber, ignition system, blower motor, and heat exchanger. These professionals also perform cleaning and maintenance tasks that require technical equipment.
They can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems, saving you time and money in the long run. Also, many furnace manufacturers require regular professional servicing to maintain warranty coverage.
Regular maintenance makes sure that your furnace operates efficiently, extends its lifespan, and protects your indoor air quality. Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating is a trusted HVAC company based in San Antonio, Texas. We have been providing high-quality air conditioning and heating services to residential customers since 1990.
We offer a wide range of services, including heating and cooling repair, maintenance, inspection, installation, and replacement. We also provide ductless AC services and indoor air quality solutions. We offer four plans for furnace maintenance: basic, silver, platinum, and diamond. They ensure peace of mind and superior air conditioning and heating protection. If you would like to learn more about our services in San Antonio, schedule a consultation with a Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating team member.
