It may not be winter yet, but the cold is slowly creeping throughout Poquoson. Before it gets too cold, we recommend you contact our Poquoson heating company to get your furnace professionally inspected.
Would you prefer to know if your furnace system is in good condition now as opposed to finding out unexpectedly in the dead of winter when it suddenly stops working?
Your furnace is an important piece of equipment, as it prevents you and your family from spending miserable nights in frigid temperatures. Still, if you don’t think a professional inspection is worth the investment and you are willing to take the risk this winter, here are six reasons why you should rethink that.
Your Last Inspection Was Over 1 Year Ago
It is recommended that your furnace be professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure it is in proper working order. Who doesn’t want a heating system that operates more efficiently when the warm months begin to turn? Many furnace manufacturers recommend maintenance by a technician in addition to annual inspections. Always make sure to read your warranty to see what it says about damages caused by improper maintenance.
Ensures Even Air Flow
Inspections make certain that every room in your home receives sufficient heat and that it gets distributed evenly throughout the house. No more scratching your head over the fact that one room is colder than all the others. Uneven airflow is often caused by restrictions due to an accumulation of dust and debris, but there are other more serious causes that a professional can diagnose and resolve while servicing your system. If it is just an accumulation of contaminants, they will clean your system and even replace older parts, like the filter, which has its own role in helping the furnace run smoothly.
Minimizes Unnecessary Strain
There are many factors that can restrict the airflow in your furnace. Dirt and grime are not the only culprits. No matter what the cause, restricted airflow will result in your furnace working more than it should to compensate for the additional burden. The result is undoubtedly a system that performs less efficiently and has a shortened lifespan. While you may think you are saving money by not having your furnace checked at the onset of winter, you are actually putting yourself at risk of spending more in the long run. You may end up replacing parts prematurely or worse, replacing your entire unit.
Improves Overall Performance
Restricted airflow is just one reason your furnace may not run efficiently this winter. Unfortunately, it is one of many. Some of the most common causes of furnace failure that we run into are:
- Thermostats that no longer work correctly
- Clogged drain pipelines that result in leaks
- A blower that doesn’t stop running
- Filters that haven’t been cleaned or replaced recently
Keeps Your Warranty Valid
We briefly mentioned that manufacturers recommend one annual inspection and annual maintenance by a certified technician. When was the last time you read your warranty?
Now, may be the time, as some manufacturers require your furnace to be serviced annually to keep your warranty valid. In other words, by neglecting to have it inspected, or hiring a technician who is not certified just to save a little money, you can void your warranty. We recommend reading your warranty if you haven’t already just to be sure. Additionally, store receipts for repairs in a safe place, as you may need to produce them to prove proper maintenance.
Ensures Safety
There is another reason you should have your Poquoson furnace inspected that has nothing to do with efficiency or securing your warranty. Because furnaces rely on natural gases, such as oil or propane, to heat a household, any misstep in the combustion process can lead to cracks in the line or joint. This can cause a gas leak or an increase in carbon monoxide levels, two dangerous and potentially fatal consequences. While some gas leaks may be noticeable, people can’t detect an increase in carbon monoxide unless they own a carbon monoxide detector. Most furnaces produce this odorless gas to function, but not at dangerous levels. While we do recommend every home be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, it is equally as important to have your furnace inspected at least once a year to prevent dangerous leaks.
Contact Atlantic Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning
Our Poquoson heating company has proudly served the Virginia Peninsula since 1977. For a professional inspection, contact Atlantic PHAC at 757-868–8590.