If you want high performance and energy efficiency from your furnace, take good care of it. That means keeping the filter clean and getting furnace tune-ups every fall. Coming through for your furnace helps your furnace come through for you.
Neglected Furnaces Die Young
Well-maintained furnaces last between 15 and 25 years. Poorly maintained units will be lucky to reach 10 years. In locations with severe winters, a poorly maintained furnace is a 
vulnerable furnace.
Poor Furnace Maintenance Costs You Money
Dirty furnaces are coated with a layer of sticky gunk and dirt particles that thwart airflow and regularly overwork the system. The longer a furnace is deprived of maintenance, the grungier it will get, the less efficient it will be, and the more it will cost to operate.
Studies reveal that energy costs for neglected furnaces are up to 40 percent higher than those for well-maintained units.
Skipping Furnace Tune-Ups Reduces Indoor Comfort
Dirty furnaces have poor airflow and are constantly overworking to maintain the thermostat setting. These units can start to short cycle, and you might notice temperature fluctuations from one room to another. Cold spots and drafty areas can develop.
Lack of Maintenance Can Damage a Furnace
All that grungy buildup does more than coat your equipment with crud and impedes airflow. Those barely visible dirt particles can penetrate deeply into your furnace. Once inside, they can damage sensitive components.
Poorly calibrated furnace controls can cause the system to perform erratically. Loose wires can short-circuit the electrical system. Dirty buildup on your gas furnace can get hot enough to start a fire.
Ignoring Furnace Tune-Ups Increases Breakdown Frequency
Industry research shows that heating breakdowns are up to 95 percent more likely without regular furnace tune-ups, especially during severe weather. Without maintenance, a furnace is already compromised. It doesn’t take much to knock it out of the park.
Skipping Furnace Maintenance Can Lead to Safety Issues
Furnaces should be inspected every year for gas and carbon monoxide leaks. The inspection should include:
- An examination of the heat exchanger.
- Checking for cracks or holes in the gas lines.
- Ensuring there are no broken gas valves or loose connections.
Tune-Ups Can Restore Your Furnace to a Like-new Condition
A maintenance visit is like a spa day for your furnace. An experienced HVAC maintenance technician will go over every inch of your system to flesh out and correct any potential irregularities.
The furnace will then be deep-cleaned to remove all the gunk and maximize the heated airflow throughout your home. Maintenance service also includes calibrating the controls, lubricating moving parts, and changing the filter.
Cleaning the condensate drain is another essential part of furnace tune-ups. Condensate lines allow moisture to exit the system freely. Periodically, the line can get plugged up with mold, algae, or other debris.
If this goop isn’t removed regularly, trapped moisture can back up your home and damage your property. The water can potentially cause ceiling leaks, stained walls, structural damage, or even a fire.
The best time to schedule furnace tune-ups is just before the cold weather gets underway. Take care of your furnace now, and it will take care of you later.
