According to the U.S. Department of Energy, high-efficiency furnaces have a rating of 90% to 98.5% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE).
Regular furnace maintenance helps maintain this efficiency. Without maintenance, your heating system will lose performance, raising your energy bills. The system can also break down regularly, leading to costly repairs.
So, how often should you schedule furnace maintenance to keep it performing at its best? Find out the ideal maintenance schedule and why it is essential for your home’s comfort.
Recommended Furnace Servicing Frequency
The general rule recommends that you schedule furnace check-ups once a year. Ideally, it would help to do it in the fall as you prepare for winter. This ensures your furnace will be ready to perform efficiently when you need it most.
A professional HVAC technician cleans and inspects the furnace during this annual maintenance. They also test all components to ensure everything is working properly. This can help minimize the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns during winter.
However, certain factors may require you to adjust the frequency of maintenance. Here are some circumstances that can affect your maintenance needs.
Older Furnaces
If your furnace is over 15 years old, consider more frequent check-ups. Older systems are more susceptible to tear and wear. This means they need additional attention to keep them running efficiently.
While an annual check-up is essential, it’s good to have your heating system inspected mid-year. This will help identify any performance issues before they cause major breakdowns. You’ll address minor issues that may worsen and force you to buy a new furnace.
Homes With Pets or Smokers
Pets often bring dust and dander into the home. Pet hair and dust can accumulate in the furnace, affecting its performance.
Additionally, soot from smoking can clog the filters. Clogged filters can strain your system, making it less efficient.
In this case, it’s important to have your furnace serviced twice a year. This will help eliminate dust and smoke residue that decline the system’s performance.
Colder Climates
If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, your furnace may run longer than normal. Its parts will wear and tear faster than expected.
To keep it running smoothly, consider scheduling maintenance twice a year. Have it serviced in the fall before winter begins and again mid-season to ensure it performs efficiently.
Manufacturer Guidelines
Always refer to your furnace’s manufacturer guidelines regarding maintenance frequency. This will ensure the system operates efficiently, preventing further issues. Sticking to manufacturers’ guidelines can also help you avoid invalidating your warranty.
Signs Your Furnace Needs Immediate Maintenance
Even with regular servicing, certain conditions may indicate your furnace needs immediate attention. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call a technician.
Unusual Noises
If you notice strange noises coming from your furnace, something is wrong. Banging or thumping noises could result from dirty burners. A delay in the ignition of the burner can also cause the sound.
Rattling sounds may indicate loose or broken components within the system. For instance, the furnace may have a broken heat exchanger or loose ducts and panels.
If the belts are worn out, you might hear squealing noises. These issues, if not addressed urgently, can affect your furnace’s performance. They can also lead to a complete breakdown, subjecting you to replacement costs.
Uneven Heating
If you notice cold spots in your room, the furnace might not be heating properly. A common cause of this issue is a clogged filter restricting air circulation. Another possible cause could be blocked or closed vents.
Such vents prevent the heated air from reaching certain areas, leading to uneven heating. Damaged internal components, such as the blower motor and heat exchanger, can also cause inconsistent heating. An HVAC technician will inspect the furnace and ductwork to identify the source of the issue.
Higher Energy Bills
A sudden increase in your energy bills is a red flag. It might result from your furnace working harder than it should be. If your system is inefficient, it can lead to high energy consumption.
This will definitely be reflected in your bills. Some of the factors that can lower the efficiency of your furnace include:
- Dirty filters
- Clogged ducts
- Aging furnace
Once you notice a spike in your energy cost, consult a furnace technician. They will inspect and service your furnace, enhancing its lifespan.
Frequent Cycling
If your furnace has been turning off and on repeatedly within short intervals, it needs immediate attention. This issue, known as frequent cycling, signifies something wrong with your system.
A malfunctioning thermostat is a common cause of frequent or short cycling. Its failure to read the temperature properly leads to constant cycling.
Frequent cycling can also result from a dirty filter restricting airflow. A problem with the blower motor or ignition system can result in the system turning off and on incorrectly.
Proper servicing can help address frequent cycling. The technician will clean the air filter to enhance airflow. They also calibrate the thermostat and replace the blower motor to prevent further cycling.
Foul Odors
Unpleasant odors coming from your furnace can indicate a range of problems. A burning smell is often a result of dust buildup on the heating elements.
This buildup burns off when the furnaces start running. Dust buildup is a minor issue, which can be resolved by cleaning the furnace.
A musty odor indicates moisture and mold buildup inside the furnace. If not addressed urgently, this issue could damage the system further. It can also cause allergies like sneezing and coughing.
Another unpleasant smell that damaged furnaces release is that of rotten eggs. This odor indicates a carbon monoxide leak. A gas leak is a serious safety concern that demands your immediate attention.
If you notice any unpleasant odor coming from the furnace, immediately contact a professional technician. They will inspect the system to ensure it’s safe to continue operating.
What Happens During Furnace Maintenance
When you schedule a furnace check-up, the technician will perform various tasks. Uncover some activities they can carry out to ensure your system runs efficiently.
Inspection
During the inspection, the technician will check key components of the furnace. This is to ensure they are operating normally and are in good condition. Some of the key components a furnace technician inspects include:
- Thermostat
- Heat Exchanger
- Blower motor
- Pilot light
Inspection allows the technician to identify and replace any worn-out parts. The technician can also perform additional tests to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Cleaning
Some of the components that should be cleaned regularly include:
- Air ducts
- Heat exchanger
- Blower motor
The technician cleans them to eliminate dust particles and debris that clog the system. This helps improve airflow, enabling the furnace to operate optimally.
Filter Replacement
Furnace filters need regular replacement. This is because they trap dirt and allergens that block airflow.
A technician will replace them if needed to ensure your furnace runs efficiently. This will help prevent overheating, enhancing your furnace’s life span.
Testing and Calibration
An experienced technician will test your furnace to ensure it heats evenly. They’ll also check if it’s operating at the correct temperature. To ensure it’s running optimally, they calibrate the thermostat.
This helps promote proper cycling. Testing and calibration can also prevent unnecessary energy consumption that increases energy bills.
DIY Furnace Maintenance Tips
While professional servicing is essential, there are some furnace maintenance tasks you can handle yourself. Check out some of them!
Air Filter Change
Changing air filters is one of the most straightforward maintenance tasks. This furnace maintenance tip can improve your home’s indoor air quality. To effectively change the air filter, follow these steps:
- Turn off the furnace and locate the air filter
- Check the size of the current filter
- Remove the old one by pulling it out slowly
- Insert the new filter, ensuring the arrows point toward the furnace
- Push the filter into place
- Turn the furnace back
Once you’re done, check for smooth operation. Change the air filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and air quality in your home.
Vent and Duct Clearing
Blocked vents and ducts tend to restrict airflow. This makes it harder for the furnace to heat your home. To keep the vents and ducts clear, you should:
- Walk around the home checking that all vents are open and unobstructed
- Use a vacuum or a brush to remove dust from vents
- Inspect ductwork and registers for visible blockages
If unable to clean the ducts and vents, consider contacting a professional. They will perform thorough cleaning, ensuring there are no hidden obstructions.
Follow This Furnace Maintenance Schedule
Understanding when to service a furnace helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. It also allows you to address issues early, extending your heating system’s lifespan. Adhere to the recommended HVAC maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs.
Don’t wait until a small furnace issue becomes a costly repair. Schedule furnace maintenance today with All-Temp Heating & Cooling, LLC, to keep your system running efficiently all year long. Our experienced technicians are here to provide reliable, top-quality HVAC services tailored to your needs.
Get in touch to schedule your furnace maintenance and experience the All-Temp difference.
