When it comes to our seasonal heating, many of us are much the same. We hope our systems will run for as long as possible with little repair and maintenance. When we do sense something might be off, we hope even harder it will just go away.
The good news is that even if we’re not born to plan far ahead, a little mindful focus is all it takes to keep us on track for a warmer, safer fall and winter in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield.
Some might ask how often they need a furnace inspection. Others might question if yearly furnace maintenance is really necessary. At Air Dynamics, we see it this way: To ensure optimal personal health, we should all probably get an annual physical as well as a dental check-up once or twice a year. If we leave our health unchecked for long periods, problems can develop that otherwise might have been avoided with early identification and adjustment.
Similarly, scheduling professional yearly inspection and maintenance helps protect the function and health of our furnace. It also further safeguards the unit under its warranty coverage, which in some cases can be voided if the manufacturer determines a system flaw or failure was caused by improper maintenance.
Giving the heating system the right attention each year can also prolong its life and cut energy costs.
The Yearly Furnace Inspection/Maintenance You Really Need
You have many choices for heating/furnace service in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield. You probably see a lot of different ads and promotions such as in mailers, magazines and coupon books or through e-commerce such as Groupon.
You’ll come across terms such as seasonal inspection or maintenance, basic or complete service, trained or certified technician, and XX-point tune-up or inspection. You’ll also note that prices can vary. You may start to wonder what the different terms mean and what you’re getting for the price.
This is where you can be a self-advocating consumer. Our profession does not have spelled-out standards for what should be included in furnace inspections or annual maintenance; those are defined by each individual service provider. If a service offer looks appealing to you, you’ll want to find out exactly what it covers. What may seem like a bargain at $30 could prove to be much less thorough than a regularly priced service and, as a result, leave important details unknown.
Worthwhile professional furnace inspection and maintenance services should include steps such as:
| checking for blocks, leaks and slope in the vents | checking and cleaning the blower wheel |
| inspecting the heat exchanger for rust and corrosion | performing an amp-draw test on the motor |
| checking wiring for corrosion and damage | inspecting the burners for ignition and sensing |
| analyzing combustion gases and the blower | cleaning and examining the drainage system |
| ensuring a tight seal for the blower-access door | checking gas and static-air pressure |
| checking for blockage of air-intake grills | ensuring the air filter is clean |
| inspecting safety switches | performing a temperature-rise test |
| checking for a properly working thermostat | lubricating moving parts |
Unless a service provider believes your future business can be earned by giving away the store up front, some low-priced offers might be missing several of these steps. Sometimes, a low-cost offer might even be a strategy for getting in the door with basic service to possibly upsell once onsite.
If a service offer includes at least half of the steps, often for a more-standard fee ($80–$150), you’ll typically receive your money’s worth. When you consider the much greater potential costs of a breakdown or a repair later in the heating season – including possible emergency or after-hours fees – the cost of yearly inspection and maintenance is a modest, smart investment.
Contact Us Today
We hope this begins to the answer the questions “Do I really need yearly furnace maintenance?” and “How often should I have a furnace inspection?” Call us at (630) 731-1550 today to further discuss how we can help you keep your furnace in tip-top shape in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield this fall and winter.
