Why Furnace Tune-Ups Matter

Schedule Maintenance Before the Weather Changes

Itandrsquo;s definitely time to schedule your annual furnace maintenance. Tuning up your heating system before the weather really changes can help you ensure that everything is in good shape and ready for the cold weather. Itandrsquo;s also time to make any necessary repairs, replacements or upgrades.

Yearly furnace tune-ups are important because:

Your gas furnace may need to be recalibrated to ensure that it is operating safely and correctly
The unit needs to be thoroughly cleaned and buildup needs to be removed to ensure efficient operation
Parts need to be checked for signs of wear, tear and other damage so that replacements can be made before you experience a breakdown
A system that is in disrepair will have a shorter lifespan and will cost you more money in both maintenance and repairs

Without annual inspections, your system is at greater risk of breakdowns and other failures. Annual furnace tune-ups are an important proactive step you can take to not only extend the life of your heating system but ensure its safe operation.

DIY Furnace Maintenance Tips

In addition to scheduling professional maintenance with our team, there is a lot you can do between maintenance appointments to keep your furnace operating smoothly and efficiently. With a combination of professional and DIY maintenance, you can get the most out of your heating system and avoid a mid-winter breakdown or other problems.

Important DIY heater maintenance includes:

Change your air filters regularly (every three months or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or asthma)
Dust your heat registers and vents frequently to help reduce the amount of dust and dirt that gets pulled into your system or blown throughout your home
Occasionally check your thermostat to ensure that it is operating correctly and assessing the temperature in your home correctly
Pay attention to both the sounds your furnace makes and how long it takes to heat your home; if you notice any changes or anything strange, call for repair service

Bonus DIY HVAC tip: keep your outside AC unit covered during the winter, and be sure to remove any debris buildup. This will help protect the unit so that next year, your AC works when you need it to.

For more information on seasonal furnace maintenance, check out these past blog posts:

Does Your Furnace Need to Be Replaced?

While maintenance will really help you extend the life of your existing furnace, there will come a day when you have to replace it with a new one. The last thing you want is to deal with an unexpected replacement. This can throw off your household budget and cause a lot of stress. Knowing the signs that indicate that your furnace is on its way out can help you prepare and plan for a future replacement.

Signs you may need a furnace replacement:

Your existing furnace has chronic repair problems
Repairs are unlikely to provide long-term solutions
It is more cost-effective to replace than repair
Your existing furnace is 15 years old or older
Youandrsquo;re having efficiency issues that repairs cannot resolve
You want to change the furnace you have

At Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar, we appreciate that installing a new furnace is a major investment. When you call us for advice, we always look to find the most cost-effective solution and will only recommend a replacement when absolutely necessary.

We also offer financing options, which can be incredibly helpful if you have been surprised by an unexpected furnace replacement. Depending on the type of furnace you select, rebates and tax credits may also be available - all of which help make installing a new heater more affordable.

Contact Valley to schedule your annual furnace tune-up today.

Valley is looking forward to cooler weather and thinking about what we can do to prepare our heating systems for the upcoming winter. In addition to tune-ups, itandrsquo;s time to think about your AC and heat pump replacement plans. If you are planning to upgrade your HVAC system, now is the time as the cost of a new system will increase due to new regulations starting January 1, 2023

On the blog, we take a deep dive further into the AIM Act and the changing coolant regulations affecting newly manufactured HVAC systems. The AIM Act, designed to reduce the use of environment-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), is one way the United States is leading the way in reducing our carbon footprint. For homeowners looking for additional ways to reduce their environmental impact, solar power may be a great option. This month we also look at what solar net energy metering (NEM) is and how you can take advantage of NEM programs.

Getting Your Furnace Inspected and Tuned Up