More Than Just a Tune-Up: How Furnace Maintenance Saves You Serious Money
When a homeowner considers the cost of regular furnace maintenance, it may seem like a high and expensive continuation of the installation cost. However, wise homeowners understand that there is also an additional cost for operation and upkeep for these building systems, including regular maintenance. Regular maintenance tends to reduce the operation and upkeep costs in quantifiable terms. Those terms include:
The Financial Case for Annual Furnace Maintenance
Energy Efficiency
Furnace maintenance tasks will include keeping system components clean. The coils will be cleaned, allowing the easy transfer of heat through coils, heat exchangers, and ductwork. Changing the air filter regularly, at least quarterly, accommodates the airflow necessary to keep a home warm and comfortable.
Furnace maintenance will also examine and test system components, seeking to uncover small problems in the electronics, sensors, and switches. Weakness in components creates stress on other parts and tends to spread the problem. When repairs and component replacement are necessary, they are generally better planned and cheaper than an emergency repair due to a breakdown.
According to the US Department of Energy, regularly changing the air filter and completing simple maintenance tasks can save 5% to 15% on energy bills.1
Safety
Natural gas and propane furnaces burn dangerous fuel and produce dangerous exhaust gases (CO2 and CO). Maintaining the ignition system, the burner assembly, the heat exchanger chamber, and the exhaust pipe are essential tasks to ensure occupant safety.
The ignition system, either a pilot light or an electric ignition system, is susceptible to soot buildup, which interferes with its proper operation. A home will get mighty cold if the fuel fails to light.
The combustion of fuel produces water in the form of steam. Water vapor will trigger corrosion, commonly known as rust. If rust weakens the walls of the burner assembly, it will result in the inefficient burning of fuel. This wastes fuel and produces more carbon monoxide than normal. If rust weakens the walls of a heat exchanger or pipe, dangerous exhaust gases can leak into the home and threaten the occupants.
Longevity
The average useful life of an air conditioner is 15 to 20 years. The average useful life of a furnace system is 20+ years. However, completing regular maintenance on a central system will typically add 5 years of useful life. Each additional year of useful life saves a homeowner by delaying the purchase and installation of a new system. Remember, catching problems when they are small saves on repair bills. It can also add years of operation to an existing system, reducing the operation and upkeep costs.
Better Health
Keeping a heating and cooling system maintained provides cleaner indoor air, which impacts both health and comfort. A well-maintained system distributes less dust, dander, and other allergens year-round, contributing to a healthier environment. For relatively healthy people, this means fewer illnesses that develop as the result of poor indoor air quality. For family members with asthma, allergies, or breathing problems, clean indoor air is essential, so maintenance just makes sense.
Peace of Mind
While the ease of thought might not be quantifiable, it is certainly discernible. When a homeowner knows that everything possible is being done to keep heating and cooling affordable and safe, the result will be evident and appreciated.
Protect Your Home and Wallet: Schedule Your Professional Furnace Maintenance Now
Ensure your home is safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable all winter long by scheduling your professional furnace maintenance now. This vital service not only adds years to your system’s life but also prevents dangerous malfunctions and saves you up to 15% on energy bills. Stop paying extra in operational costs and eliminate the worry of a mid-winter breakdown. Call us today to book your appointment and invest in the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained furnace.
If you are considering furnace maintenance, give Doctor Cool & Professor Heat a call at 281-516-5966.
1 https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2016/11/f34/HomeCooling101.pdf