Beat the Rush: Why Early Fall Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Furnace Maintenance
During a simpler day and time, seasons were based on farming tasks. Spring was the planting season, summer was the time for cultivating, fall was the time to harvest, and the ground rested during the winter. Since we spend more than 80% of our time indoors, we adopt a simpler season chart, with only two seasons: the cooling season and the heating season. Fall has arrived, and winter is approaching quickly. We are entering the heating season. Before the heating season arrives in earnest, it is time to schedule a furnace maintenance appointment.
There are three basic types of residential furnaces installed in our area:
- Approximately 35% of furnaces are natural gas or propane
- About 45% of furnaces are electric, and
- Approximately 20% of furnaces are heat pumps.
How Furnace Maintenance Prepares You for the Heating Cycle
All these systems have some things in common, but all three create heat differently.
Scheduling a maintenance inspection prior to the heating season is important for all three types of furnaces for different reasons.
- These systems share the same electrical sensors and control mechanisms that measure air temperature, starting and stopping the heating cycle to achieve the desired temperature. The blower motor moves the volume of the entire system every few minutes in each of these types of systems. Inspecting these components can detect weaknesses or failures before they create a breakdown at the most inopportune time, like during an extreme cold snap. All types of furnaces use an air filter to clean the air; the filter will be changed to prevent restricted airflow.
- Natural gas furnaces require annual inspection for both performance and safety measures. The byproducts of the complete combustion of natural gas are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. The byproducts of incomplete combustion are carbon monoxide (CO), water vapor, and carbon soot. Water vapor causes rust, which can create flaws and cracks in the exhaust. Flaws can allow the exhaust gases to enter the home with disastrous results for the inhabitants.
Stop Winter Breakdowns: The Simple Furnace Maintenance That Saves You Money and Stress
Maintenance will also include a performance test of the ignition system and burner assembly. Aside from safety, these key components must perform efficiently to ensure the furnace heats the home to the desired temperature.
- Electric furnaces are rather simple in comparison, but the heating element and control sensors need to be inspected in preparation for the heating season.
- Heat pumps use the principles of air conditioning (moving heat out of the house) in reverse (moving existing heat outdoors into the house). A heat pump inspection will include testing the refrigerant pressure and cleaning both the outdoor condenser coil and the indoor evaporator coil. Dirt, dust, and pollen act as insulation to prevent efficient movement of heat, so cleaning them is essential.
Gas, Electric, or Heat Pump: Why Every Furnace Needs an Annual Maintenance Check
Preventative maintenance is essential for all types of furnaces, since it ensures the system is safe, functions efficiently, and keeps the air clean. Maintenance often catches small problems while they are small, instead of waiting for a major repair. This kind of care can add years of useful life to a furnace as well.
The best time to schedule a maintenance inspection is now, in the early fall, before the heating season creates service and repair calls, clogging up technicians’ schedules.
Winter Breakdowns: Call for Furnace Maintenance From Northwind AC
Even though the weather’s cooling down, now is the perfect time to book your essential pre-season service to prevent dangerous safety issues and frustrating winter breakdowns. Don’t get caught in the cold rush; ensure your furnace is safe and operating at peak efficiency before the heating season begins. Call today to schedule your system’s inspection and ask about combining your service with next spring’s AC maintenance to save time and money. Contact Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating now to secure your ideal appointment slot!
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating can help answer your AC Maintenance Cypress questions for your home. Contact us and get the help you need.