Maintaining a cozy home during the winter season isn’t just about warm blankets, hot cocoa, and well-insulated windows. It’s about the hard work your furnace does, tirelessly humming along to keep every room warm and comfortable. Yet, for all the effort your furnace puts in, it doesn’t ask for much in return — just a bit of care to keep it running well. That brings us to a question many homeowners ponder: how often should you have your furnace maintained?
In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of yearly furnace maintenance, why it’s important, and what you can expect from scheduling an annual service.
How Often You Should Have Your Furnace Maintained
So, how often should you have your furnace maintained? Experts recommend scheduling yearly furnace maintenance, ideally in the fall. This way, your furnace is prepped and ready for the winter, minimizing the risk of a breakdown when you need heat the most.
If you have a natural gas furnace, the yearly checkup becomes even more important because gas furnaces can pose safety risks if they’re not serviced regularly. When you have your gas furnace serviced by an experienced HVAC technician, it also helps you avoid issues like a clogged condensate drain or faulty gas valve that could lead to inefficiency or safety problems.
In short, yearly furnace maintenance is not just about keeping things running — it’s about making sure your heating system is safe, efficient, and ready for winter.
Why Is Yearly Furnace Maintenance Important?
The idea of scheduling yearly furnace maintenance may sound like just another task to add to the list, but the benefits can make it more than worthwhile. With winter bringing the chill, there’s no better time to have your furnace checked than before it goes into full-time heating mode. Here’s why regular furnace maintenance matters:
Avoid Costly Repairs
Imagine waking up on a cold morning only to find that your furnace has quit working. Routine maintenance helps catch issues early, preventing major repairs or emergency replacements. A furnace inspection can detect small issues, like a cracked heat exchanger or worn-out blower motor, which can otherwise cause bigger, more expensive problems if left unchecked.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace
Furnaces, especially gas furnaces, are built to last around 15 to 20 years with good care. However, without maintenance, that lifespan can shorten considerably. Routine upkeep, which includes cleaning or changing the air filter and checking the pilot light, can help keep your furnace running for the long haul, potentially avoiding the expense of a new furnace for several more years.
Improve Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained furnace works more efficiently, using less energy to heat your home. This translates directly into lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Whether it’s adjusting the gas pressure, cleaning out the heating ducts, or checking the flame sensor, small maintenance tasks keep your system at peak efficiency.
Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality
Your furnace plays a role in circulating air through your home, so its cleanliness directly impacts indoor air quality. If it’s neglected, dust, dirt, and debris can build up, blowing contaminants into your home. During annual maintenance, an HVAC technician will usually clean or replace the air filter, keeping the air fresh and free from allergens.
Protect Your Family’s Safety
A furnace malfunction isn’t just inconvenient — it can be dangerous. Furnaces that aren’t well-maintained may develop safety hazards, including carbon monoxide leaks from a cracked heat exchanger. By having a furnace inspection each year, you reduce the chances of leaks and other issues that could harm your family’s health.
Signs It’s Time to Schedule Furnace Maintenance
Even if you’re diligent with annual checkups, certain warning signs can signal it’s time for an extra look at your furnace. Consider calling for maintenance if:
- You notice unusual noises like banging, rattling, or squeaking from the furnace.
- Your energy bills are increasing despite consistent usage.
- Rooms aren’t heating evenly, leaving certain areas of your house colder than others.
- The pilot light color has changed. If it’s yellow instead of blue, this could indicate poor combustion or a ventilation issue.
- There’s an unusual odor around the furnace or your HVAC ducts, which could mean a gas leak or mold growth.
Why Choose Keefe’s for Your Furnace Maintenance Needs?
At Keefe’s, we understand how important a warm, comfortable home is for you and your family. Our experienced HVAC professionals are trained to handle all aspects of furnace maintenance, from cleaning the air filter to inspecting your gas furnace for safety hazards. We know that your time is valuable, so we work efficiently to get the job done right without any hassle.
Whether you need a quick repair or want to schedule furnace maintenance in New Orleans, Keefe’s has you covered with trusted service and a commitment to quality.
Ready to Schedule Your Furnace Service in New Orleans?
As a homeowner, it’s important to know how often you should have your furnace maintained. A well-maintained furnace is a vital part of keeping your home safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient. If it’s been over a year since you last had your furnace inspected, or if you’re noticing any issues, it’s time to take action. Contact Keefe’s today to schedule your annual furnace inspection in New Orleans, LA, or one of the surrounding areas.
Our team will help keep your furnace running efficiently throughout the chillier months, so you and your family can relax in cozy warmth. For reliable heating in New Orleans, trust the team at Keefe’s to make sure your HVAC system is in top shape for the winter ahead!
