How Often Should A Furnace Be Serviced? [Home Heating Guide]

You should have your furnace serviced at least once a year. The furnace is one of your home’s most important components. It is responsible for keeping your home warm all winter and accounts for a large portion of your energy bills.

The easiest way to get the most out of your furnace is by scheduling regular furnace service. The question is, how often should you get a furnace tune up?

The easy answer is at least once a year. Ideally, your furnace should have professional maintenance performed before the heating season. If you have it done during or after that’s fine too, as long as your furnace isn’t going over a year without service.

Since 2011, Compass Heating and Air has been serving the Elgin, IL area’s heating and cooling needs. I personally have been working in the HVAC industry for years before that. During that time, I have received many questions about the benefits of preventive maintenance, and want to answer a few of them here.

Average Cost of a Furnace Check-and-Clean

The average cost of a furnace check and clean runs between $70 and $250 dollars depending on the amount of time needed to conduct the check. Of course, costs will vary if repairs are called for.

Benefits of Furnace Maintenance

The benefits of regular maintenance are significant.

• Greater efficiency and increased comfort
• Energy savings
• Elimination of safety and health concerns

Greater Efficiency and Comfort

Keeping your system serviced regularly will result in better performance and higher efficiency. If your system is running more efficiently, it’s going to produce better heating, and make your space a more comfortable place to be.

Energy Efficiency

Peak performance means saving money on fuel costs and energy bills. If you are concerned about the rising costs of energy, then scheduling a yearly tune up is the best way to stretch your energy dollar.

Maximum Safety and Elimination of Certain Health Risks

Since a furnace burns combustible fuel, it is important to make sure that it burns cleanly and exhausts properly, eliminating the possibility of carbon monoxide leaks into the home.

What You Get With a Heater Service Call

A heater service call provides you with a complete top-to-bottom inspection and cleaning.

• Inspection – flue and vents
• Inspect and change filters
• Ignitor testing
• Inspect fan belts
• Adjust pilot light
• Inspect fuel source connections
• Inspect electrical components
• Duct inspection
• Inspect heat exchanger
• Inspect condensate line for clogs
• Inspect and adjust thermostat

Cleaning and Airflow

A thorough cleaning removing any built-up dust and soot from the combustion chamber will help to ensure that you have maximum airflow and the highest air quality.

Inspection and Maintenance

An annual maintenance and inspection will not only ensure that your system is operating at maximum efficiency, but that it is also operating safely.

Venting and Exhaust

Your furnace burns combustible fuel. It is important to make certain that the combustion blower is properly venting all built-up gas. An annual inspection will not only make sure that your blowers are working properly but also ensure that bye-product gas is expelled properly.

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is very difficult to detect. Your technician can make sure that your carbon monoxide detector is in working order to detect carbon monoxide leaks.

Professional Furnace Service Vs. DIY Maintenance

There are a few DIY tasks that homeowners can easily perform such as switching out air filters. But it is best to have a licensed, professional technician perform some of the more complex inspections.

Read More: 3 Easy Furnace Tune Up Tips

FAQs

Does a furnace need to be serviced every year?

A furnace should be serviced every year. Consider enrolling in an annual service plan to make sure that you never miss a tune-up.

What time of year should you have your furnace serviced?

The best time for your service call should be before the heating season begins. I often recommend scheduling a spring service call after the furnace is not needed. Again – service should be done yearly.

What is the life expectancy of a furnace?

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer. Check-and-clean for your Elgin home.

Call Compass Heating and Air at (630) 504-8688, for check-and-clean for your Elgin home.