Like any other machine, a furnace needs regular maintenance to run reliably. When a furnace goes too long without service, dust can settle inside the system and parts can loosen. The unit may also have to push a lot harder to produce the same amount of heat. Over time, this can lead to higher heating bills and even safety concerns.
Below, this furnace repair company in Lake Forest, Illinois is going to explain how often you should schedule furnace service visits.
Most homes only need a full furnace inspection once a year. Early fall is usually the best time because the weather is still mild, and your furnace has not yet started its daily workload.
During an annual service visit, small furnace problems can be caught long before they demand expensive repairs. A yearly service also helps your furnace last longer. When parts stay clean and lubricated, the furnace does not have to fight its way through every cycle to heat your home. So, by keeping up with that once-a-year appointment, you help your system stay efficient and safe for the long term.
Some homes need furnace service more frequently than once a year. An older furnace, for example, may still heat your home just fine. But its internal parts may no longer be as efficient as they once were.
You may also notice that your furnace is struggling between yearly visits. For example, your home can feel dusty even after cleaning and the furnace may run nonstop during the coldest months. These are signs that the furnace is under extra pressure or that debris is blocking proper airflow. In these situations, an extra service visit can be necessary to resolve the problem.
A trusted furnace repair company in Lake Forest, Illinois can check the age of your furnace and the conditions inside your home to recommend the best maintenance schedule.
When your furnace repair company in Lake Forest, Illinois arrives, they will usually inspect all the main parts of the furnace to confirm everything is in good condition. At John J. Cahill, we check the blower motor, the burners, the heat exchanger and all the electrical connections. Even one loose wire or weak ignition component can cause the furnace to run poorly so this first inspection is extremely important.
Cleaning is also a part of a service visit. We will clean areas that collect the most dust, including the blower compartment and the burners, so that the furnace can move warm air more easily.
Safety checks are just as important as cleaning. We always examine the heat exchanger to make sure it is not cracked or damaged. This part is responsible for keeping the air in your home separate from the gases produced by the furnace. If it fails, it can cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. The gas connections are also inspected to make sure there are no leaks and that the furnace is burning fuel properly.
Before leaving, we’ll also test your thermostat to make sure it communicates properly with the furnace. It may be necessary to adjust the settings if the furnace is turning on and off too frequently or if the home is not heating evenly.
Filters are also checked. And if yours is dirty or worn out, you will be advised to replace it.
There are a few simple things you can do during the year to keep your furnace running as smoothly as possible. Changing your air filter regularly is one of the best things you can do. Keeping the area around your furnace clear can also improve airflow and reduce the risk of dust or clutter getting sucked into the system.
Many homeowners enroll in a maintenance plan to ensure they don’t forget about scheduling services. These plans usually include reminders and sometimes offer priority scheduling.
If your furnace is due for service or showing early signs of trouble, John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is just a call away. As the top-rated furnace repair company in Lake Forest, Illinois, we can inspect your system and make sure it is ready for the season. Contact us anytime for assistance.