How Often to Clean a Furnace
The ideal time to schedule a furnace cleaning is in the fall before the nights become too cold.
A furnace must be ready for winter to ensure safe and reliable performance throughout the cold months. The best way to prepare a furnace for winter is to have it cleaned and inspected. Experts recommend a yearly inspection and cleaning for the furnace and, if applicable, the cooling system.
When to schedule an inspection
The ideal time to schedule a furnace cleaning is in the fall before the nights become too cold. By having a home’s furnace cleaned and inspected in the early fall, there’s time to take care of any problems to ensure a reliable, efficient furnace come winter. This avoids costly emergency repairs and ensures comfort all winter long.
Furnace manufacturers recommend yearly furnace inspection and cleaning by a certified HVAC technician to keep the heating system running efficiently in the long run. The expected lifespan of a furnace is about 15 to 20 years. Of course, some heating systems may last longer, but they don’t operate nearly as efficiently after two decades. Yearly inspections and cleanings are necessary to keep the furnace working as it should.
Steps in a yearly cleaning and inspection
Homeowners should be familiar with the steps of a furnace inspection and cleaning to understand what to expect and to be able to recognize problems if they arise.
First, the technician should check for cracks, separations, and other problems that could lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks, putting people and animals at risk. Next, the thermostat must be calibrated to prevent over or under-heating. An accurate temperature reading helps keep the home comfortable and the budget intact.
The technician must inspect the inner workings for any potential problems to catch and resolve them early; this step should only be done by a professional, as there are risks involved, and the average homeowner doesn’t have the expert knowledge to identify potential problems.
To finish off, all moving parts, such as the fan and motor, should be lubricated, and any belts that show signs of wear replaced. The blower unit should be vacuumed to prevent clogging and overheating, which can result in a fire hazard. Finally, replace the filter to prevent overheating and unpleasant odors.
Furnaces can only work as well as they’re maintained. Yearly inspections and cleaning allow problems to be detected and resolved early on so that they do not cause lasting damage or cause the unit to break entirely. Remember the importance and timing of a yearly inspection and what to expect during a maintenance visit to ensure the furnace is in strong, working order.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
