As the summer heat arrives, your furnace is probably the last thing on your mind. However, taking the time to give your furnace a little tender loving care (TLC) during the summer months can have significant benefits. Furnace maintenance is not just a task for the winter season; it's a year-round responsibility that can prolong the lifespan of your furnace, improve energy efficiency, and ensure optimal performance when you need it most. In this article, we will explore why you should prioritize furnace maintenance during the summer.
Benefits of Summer Furnace Maintenance
Prolonged Lifespan
Regular furnace maintenance helps extend its lifespan, saving you money on premature replacements. By addressing minor issues and ensuring proper functioning, you can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs. Summer is an ideal time for maintenance as you won't be reliant on your furnace for heating, allowing you to address any potential problems before the colder months arrive.
Improved Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering your utility bills. During the summer, when your furnace is not in use, you have the opportunity to clean or replace the air filters, check and seal ductwork, and inspect the system for any leaks or inefficiencies. This maintenance work ensures that your furnace functions optimally when the heating season begins, saving you money in the long run.
Prevent Breakdowns
Furnace maintenance in the summer allows you to take preventive measures to avoid unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions during the winter. A professional technician can inspect and test various components, such as the ignition system, thermostat, pilot light, and electrical connections, to identify and address potential issues. By catching problems early on, you can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and ensure a reliable heat source when you need it most.
Safety Assurance
Furnace maintenance is not only about performance and efficiency; it's also about safety. Over time, furnaces can develop issues like gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks, which pose serious health risks. By having your furnace inspected and serviced during the summer, you can ensure that all safety mechanisms are functioning correctly, such as the gas valves, the heat exchanger, and the ventilation system. This gives you peace of mind and safeguards the well-being of your household.
Convenience and Availability
Booking furnace maintenance during the summer offers the advantage of convenience and availability. HVAC professionals are typically less busy during this time, making it easier to schedule an appointment at your preferred time. By taking advantage of the slower season, you can avoid the rush and potential delays that occur when everyone is scrambling to have their furnaces serviced in the fall.
Specific Tasks to Focus on in Summer
During the summer months, when the furnace is not in use, it's still essential to perform some maintenance tasks to ensure its optimal functioning when colder weather arrives. Here are some specific tasks involved in furnace maintenance during the summer:
Cleaning: Begin by cleaning the furnace and its surrounding area. Remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated on or around the unit. This helps maintain proper airflow and prevents potential issues.
Air Filter Replacement: Check the furnace's air filter and replace it if necessary. A clean air filter promotes better air quality and helps the furnace operate efficiently. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended filter type and replacement schedule.
Inspection: Inspect the furnace components for any signs of damage or wear. Look for loose or corroded electrical connections, damaged wires, or cracks in the heat exchanger. If you notice any problems, contact a professional technician for further inspection and repairs.
Lubrication: Some furnace models have motor bearings or other moving parts that require lubrication. Consult the owner's manual or manufacturer's guidelines to determine if lubrication is necessary and follow the recommended procedure.
Thermostat Calibration: Check the calibration of your thermostat to ensure accurate temperature readings. If you notice any discrepancies, consider recalibrating or replacing the thermostat as needed.
Test Run: On a cooler summer day, briefly test-run the furnace to ensure it starts up and operates properly. Listen for any unusual noises or odors and observe the functioning of the blower fan. If you encounter any issues, it's best to have them addressed by a professional technician.
Ductwork Inspection: Inspect the furnace ductwork for any visible leaks, loose connections, or signs of damage. Properly sealed and insulated ducts help maximize energy efficiency and prevent conditioned air from escaping.
Schedule Professional Maintenance: While some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it's recommended to schedule professional furnace maintenance at least once a year. A trained technician can thoroughly inspect, clean, and service the furnace, addressing any potential issues and ensuring its optimal performance.
Remember, if you are unsure about performing any maintenance tasks or encounter complex issues, it's always advisable to seek assistance from a qualified HVAC technician. They have the expertise to handle furnace maintenance and address any concerns effectively.
Smart Ways to Save Money on Summer Maintenance Costs
Use Ceiling Fans: Utilize ceiling fans to improve air circulation in your home. By running ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioning, you can help distribute cool air more efficiently, reducing the load on your furnace when it's in use.
Maintain a Clean and Clear Ventilation System: Ensure that vents and registers are free from obstructions such as furniture, rugs, or curtains. Blocked vents restrict airflow and force the furnace to work harder. Keeping the ventilation system clear helps maintain efficient airflow and reduces strain on the furnace.
Take Advantage of Maintenance Contracts: Some HVAC companies offer maintenance contracts or service agreements. These contracts often provide routine maintenance visits and discounts on repairs. Consider signing up for a maintenance contract, as it can help save money in the long run and ensure regular professional maintenance for your furnace.
FAQ - Summer Furnace Maintenance
Why is summer furnace maintenance necessary?
Summer furnace maintenance is essential for several reasons. It ensures the furnace is in good condition after the period of inactivity, improves energy efficiency, identifies and addresses potential issues before they become major problems, and prepares the furnace for the colder months ahead.
Can I perform furnace maintenance tasks myself?
Some furnace maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the unit and replacing air filters, can be done by homeowners. However, for more complex tasks and professional inspections, it's advisable to seek assistance from a qualified HVAC technician to ensure proper and safe maintenance.
How often should I replace the air filter in my furnace?
The frequency of air filter replacement depends on various factors, including the type of filter and the level of dust and pollutants in your home. As a general guideline, it's recommended to check the filter monthly and replace it every 3 months or as instructed by the manufacturer. Homes with pets or allergies may require more frequent filter replacements.
What are the potential consequences of neglecting furnace maintenance?
Neglecting furnace maintenance can result in increased energy costs, reduced lifespan of the furnace, expensive repairs, safety hazards such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks, compromised indoor air quality, voided warranty, inconvenience, discomfort, and decreased property value.
Is professional maintenance necessary even if my furnace seems to be working fine?
Yes, professional maintenance is recommended even if your furnace appears to be working fine. Regular professional inspections can identify underlying issues that may not be noticeable to homeowners. It helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensures safety, maintains efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of the furnace.
How can I improve the energy efficiency of my furnace during the summer?
To improve energy efficiency, adjust thermostat settings to higher temperatures when the furnace is not in use, seal ductwork to minimize air leakage, keep vents and registers clear of obstructions, utilize ceiling fans for better air circulation, and schedule regular professional maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Can neglecting furnace maintenance void the warranty?
Yes, neglecting furnace maintenance can void the warranty. Many furnace warranties require regular professional maintenance to remain valid. It's important to adhere to the maintenance requirements outlined in the warranty to protect your investment and potentially save on repair costs.
How often should I schedule professional maintenance for my furnace?
It's recommended to schedule professional maintenance for your furnace at least once a year. Ideally, it's best to have maintenance performed before the start of the heating season to ensure the furnace is in optimal condition.
Giving your furnace a little TLC by scheduling maintenance can yield significant benefits. From prolonging its lifespan to improving energy efficiency, preventing breakdowns, ensuring safety, and enjoying the convenience of available technicians, furnace maintenance is a smart investment.
Take the opportunity to have your furnace inspected, cleaned, and serviced by a professional at Always Plumbing & Heating. You'll be rewarded with a well-functioning and efficient heating system when the colder months arrive.
To increase your savings, you can always join our Diamond Club to enjoy both AC and furnace maintenance every year. As well as additional discounts on service calls, new appliances, and installations. Contact us today by calling 780-489-8118 or by submitting the contact form.
