6 Reasons to Inspect Your Furnace for Winter

Furnace maintenance promotes the durability and efficiency of your furnace during winter. During a scheduled heating service, technicians inspect the gas control system, blower motors, and heat exchangers. Here are six reasons to inspect your furnace for winter:

1. Safety

Routine heating service inspections usually involve examining the heat exchanger for damages. If combustion in a furnace is incomplete, carbon monoxide leaks could occur. Exhaust system inspections also help verify that toxic gasses from the furnace are vented away from your home.

Technicians test the function of the furnace’s switches and safety control systems, check and stabilize the gas pressure at the correct levels, and recommend keeping flammable objects away from your furnace’s heating components. Heat from the furnace can ignite flammable objects, creating a fire hazard. 

2. Efficiency

Furnace technicians help improve your furnace’s efficiency by cleaning components and repairing minor issues. They clean the blower motor and burner to prevent clogs and airflow disruption. A professional checks your vents for debris and sets the air dampers correctly. Clear vents and well-set dampers promote even heat distribution throughout your home. 

Inspections also allow technicians to identify thermostat issues and air leaks. Thermostat repairs prevent furnaces from turning on and off before rooms attain the correct temperature. Technicians resolve air leaks to prevent the furnace from working harder during heating.  

3. Reliability

Heating services help identify and replace worn-out furnace components. Professionals make sure that bearings and motors are lubricated for reliable functionality. Lubrication on moving parts helps reduce friction and prevent excessive wear and tear. Adjusting the belt tension and alignment promotes the smooth operation of your furnace. Technicians also provide and install high-quality parts for systems that need new components. They may recommend variable-speed blower motors and corrosion-resistant heat exchangers to support the furnace’s long-term reliability. 

4. Longevity

Inspecting your furnace for winter helps preserve its life span. During inspections, a technician tightens loose connections and replaces faulty parts. They check components with electrical wiring, including the transformer, thermostat, and gas valve, to make sure wires are securely connected. Proper wiring allows the furnace to control temperatures accurately and the sequencer to turn on furnace components sequentially during heating. Technicians also check the fan relay for damage and functionality and inspect the limit switches for proper operation to prevent your furnace from overheating. 

5. Indoor Air Quality

Air filter maintenance and replacement during inspections promote indoor air quality. Clean filters trap debris, making sure clean air is distributed throughout your home. Your technician inspects the air filter for clogs and replaces it when needed. They also assess the burner for debris and clean the ducts and other components to remove accumulated dust particles that may reduce indoor air quality. 

To assess the humidistat’s functionality, technicians observe the humidifier’s output at a high setting. The humidistat removes excess moisture to prevent mold growth. It can also filter pet dander and dust mites to make indoor air comfortable to breathe. A well-maintained furnace prevents the accumulation of stale air indoors. 

6. Issue Detection

Furnace inspections allow technicians to identify potential problems before they escalate. During an inspection, the technician examines the furnace’s interior and exterior. They check for corrosion or cracks that indicate underlying issues. Evaluations usually include the burner assembly and other misalignments that can affect performance. Checking the heat exchanger for leaks helps prevent harmful gas accumulation in your home. 

Schedule Heating Service Today

Heating service and maintenance allow technicians to evaluate the functionality of your furnace and its components. They clean existing components and replace worn-out elements with new, high-quality parts. Some heating and cooling technicians offer 24/7 on-demand service to assist you in an emergency so you are not without heat when winter weather sets in. Contact a reputable HVAC company today to learn more about their heating services.