Every home heating system accumulates dust, dirt, and other particulates that impact performance and efficiency. This can cause a variety of issues, as outlined below. Clean & Checks, covered under Home Comfort's Comfort Plan, can address these issues, before they become problems.
- SAFETY! YOUR SAFETY IS #1!
Like other gas burning appliances in your home, furnaces burn fuel to produce heat. This combustion process must be precise. A furnace Clean & Check includes the cleaning and inspection of the furnace burner and heat exchanger. Even a small problem can lead to gas leaking into your home or dangerous carbon monoxide levels. We don’t have to remind you that a natural gas leak is very dangerous.
And different from natural gas that is noticeable, an unchecked furnace runs the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. These are harder to detect because the gas is colorless and odorless. High carbon monoxide levels are quite poisonous; common symptoms include nausea and headache.
If you do not have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home near a bedroom(s), please let us know; our technicians carry them on their trucks and we can install them for you at our next visit. Test them monthly. And if you don’t know the age of your carbon monoxide detector, consider a replacement. They expire after a certain amount of time. Who knew?!
We highly recommend having your water heater Clean & Check at the same time as your furnace, so that you know both pieces of gas-burning equipment are safe. Water heaters are used year-round; you rely on those for daily performance.
- SAVE YOU MONEY FROM COSTLY REPAIRS.
Every winter, we receive calls from local residents experiencing "NO-HEAT" that could have been easily prevented with regular maintenance. A heating Clean & Check not only includes the cleaning that keeps your furnace (or boiler) running efficiently, but it also allows our techs a chance to catch small problems before they turn into major repairs. They cannot predict every possible failure, but they can see visible signs of wear, rust, cracking, and inconsistent ignition that point to problems, whether immediate or future.
A well-maintained heating system will last you much longer, which means you’ll get the most out of your investment.
- ENSURE IT’S ALL WORKING AS IT SHOULD. THAT’S THE POINT!
During a fall maintenance visit, the technician will check your heating system to ensure it is receiving the proper airflow. Restricted or limited airflow places strain that can lead to increased repairs and a shortened lifespan. Simple things like changing your filters will increase your savings. This can be done at a Clean & Check, but should also be done regularly. We recommend MONTHLY! Clean furnace filters will keep your home at the desired temperature without the high bills.
TIP: Always change an air filter if it's damaged or damp. A damp air filter can lead to mold growth. Any mold that grows on the filter can send spores through the system and into the air that you breathe, which may trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
Change the filter often if you have pets, construction dust, wood-burning fire places, smoke, or other air-quality concerns that cause asthma or respiratory distress.
Humidifier pads and drain lines also need regular checking. The whole point of indoor comfort it to have equipment that works well in the first place. Emergency service always costs more than preventative maintenance, so please pay for the preventative maintenance.
- MAINTAIN MANUFACTURER WARRANTIES. HOPEFULLY YOU WON’T NEED THEM!
If your equipment is under a manufacturer’s warranty, it is especially important to get an annual Clean & Check. Most manufacturers stipulate that their warranty becomes void if the product is not regularly maintained. A furnace Clean & Check will satisfy that. If there comes a time when you do need to use your manufacturer warranty, they are going to ask for maintenance records to prove that it has been cared for. If you haven’t, you’re most likely not going to get the outcome you were hoping for. Parts can be very expensive.
All of these benefits of a furnace Clean & Check boil down to two things: keeping you safe and saving you money.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE A FURNACE OR BOILER TUNE-UP?
It's tempting to put off scheduling this important appointment; however, there are quite a few advantages of scheduling your heating system tune-up before cold temperatures set in for the season. It's better to discover problems early and have time to have a new system installed before winter. If you do need a new furnace or boiler, consider a high-efficiency model to help save on annual energy costs.
Knowing the condition of your system in the fall will likely save you the headache that comes with a break down in the middle of freezing temperatures. If repairs are not smart for your equipment based on age and condition, you’ll have plenty of time to replace before freezing temps.
So...now is the answer!
WHY HAVE A PROFESSIONAL COMPLETE THE HEATING CLEAN & CHECK? CAN'T WE JUST LOOK AROUND?
A professional Clean & Check for your heating system includes MANY steps and actions that are best left to a technician. A trained technician performs tune-ups regularly, understands and practices safety protocols and has the knowledge and ability to recognize problems before they cause a system failure. They check for leaks, air flow restrictions, pressures, electrical connections, motor wear, and thermostat settings…just to name a few. The record all these readings and findings, so you don't have to.
A comprehensive inspection matters for any age heating system — older models as well as new. So please provide you with the maintenance that matters most. It’s what we do.
And we do it with a smile. :)
So call if you haven't yet. 847-COMFORT! Or click below to submit an appointment request digitally. We'll call YOU!
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