It’s that time of year again—time to turn on your heating system. You’re ready to bundle up near the vent with a blanket and a mug of hot chocolate. But first, should you have your furnace inspected?
Think of it this way: it’s a lot more affordable to have your furnace maintained than to call for emergency repairs in the middle of a snowstorm. That’s why it’s always better to schedule a furnace inspection before the snow falls.
Now that it’s November, winter is almost upon us. Is it time to schedule HVAC maintenance? Watch for these signs that indicate an inspection is in order:
The Air Quality Is Poor
You’ve noticed that lately, your home is quite dusty. It could be due to your furnace—or more specifically, the filters in your furnace.
We’ve written extensively about filters on this blog already, so we’ll keep it brief. In short, a clogged filter can lead to:
- Diminished efficiency of your furnace
- Damage to the components of your furnace
- Higher energy bills
- Poor air quality
For all these reasons, it’s important to switch out your filters every 3 months.
Your Heat Bill Is Increasing
As a child, you might have been annoyed with how fussy your parents were about the thermostat. But once you start paying for your own heat, you realize why.
With the arrival of winter comes a higher heat bill. Things like poor insulation, leaky windows, or cracks in the walls can lead to home heat loss. But even if your home is airtight, you might still notice a rising heat bill. Why is that?
There may be an issue with the furnace itself. Perhaps a few components are wearing out and using more energy to compensate.
Your Furnace Is A Few Years Old
Purchasing a new HVAC system is a substantial investment. You want to stretch your dollar as far as it will go, and keep your furnace in optimal condition.
You put your furnace to the test each winter. It’s no small task to heat a home when it’s -30°C outside. If you’ve owned your furnace for 5 years or more, it’s due for an inspection. Your HVAC technician can identify any issues and repair them before they cause further damage to the unit.
You Have A Warranty
Did you know that neglecting to maintain your furnace can void your warranty? If something in your furnace breaks and you try to make a claim, they will ask for the maintenance history of the unit.
You don’t want to end up with a rejected claim if your furnace breaks. To avoid surprise fees, maintain your furnace at least once annually.
The Benefits Of Furnace Maintenance
It’s in your best interests to service your furnace each year. Here’s why:
- It makes your furnace highly efficient, which saves you on energy costs.
- It prevents unexpected issues that lead to high repair bills and a loss of heat.
- Your furnace can heat your home to the desired temperature quickly and reliably.
- You can keep the manufacturer’s warranty valid.
Before the first cold snap of the year, call your local HVAC technicians to have your furnace inspected. Once you know that everything is in working order, you can rest assured that you’re ready for the long winter ahead of you.
When you need a furnace inspection in Winnipeg, we’re here to help. At Provincial Heating & Cooling, we offer HVAC Pro Service Plans that will save you energy, lower repair bills, and prolong the lifespan of your furnace.