With winter around the corner, although some days it feels like it’s already on my doorstep, it’s time to think about your furnace. Once the weather dips below zero the thought of losing your furnace for a day or longer due to preventable issues may not keep you up at night, but if it’s ever happened to you, it should! Although it may be tempting to skip regular maintenance when your furnace seems to be working well, we recommend keeping up with it so that you can enjoy all of the following benefits.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the most reliable way to keep your furnace running at peak efficiency. Operating your furnace at full efficiency offers various benefits, including:

  • Lower monthly utility bills
  • More effective performance
  • Less unnecessary wear and tear

Like many homeowners, you might expect changes in efficiency to be readily apparent, and you might consider waiting until you notice those changes to schedule maintenance. However, while large changes might be obvious, a smaller or more gradual loss of efficiency can be harder to notice. By improving the efficiency and overall condition of your furnace, regular maintenance can also boost its performance. You can also expect to enjoy more reliable performance, since a well-maintained furnace is less likely to break down or malfunction.

Preventative maintenance and repairs are typically much more affordable than unscheduled repairs or outright furnace replacement.

Additionally, regular maintenance and repairs lower the likelihood that you will develop furnace problems at an inconvenient time and require costly emergency services. This makes regular inspections and maintenance to catch any developing issues advisable.

Cleaning

You probably know that professional air duct cleaning can offer benefits for your home air quality and even your health. However, you might not know how often to schedule cleaning to ensure the best results.

There are several common indications that your air ducts could use a thorough cleaning. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these warning signs include:

  • You can see dust being blown out of the air supply grating
  • You have reason to believe that mold is growing inside the ductwork
  • You notice signs of rodents, insects or other pests living in the ductwork

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association also recommends carrying out air duct cleaning if you have recently built a new house, moved into a new home or completed home improvements. Construction can cause dust and other debris to build up in the duct system, while moving into a new house without cleaning the ducts may cause you to miss out on an overdue cleaning.

It’s best to periodically schedule duct cleaning regardless of whether it appears necessary. This cleaning should be completed at least once every three to five years, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. The ideal frequency depends on various factors, from your geographic region to your respiratory health.

Although the cost of proper air duct cleaning can deter some homeowners, professional cleaning is an investment that pays off. Duct cleaning that includes your entire home air system, from the furnace to the air conditioner, can relieve allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned recently, make sure to consult with a professional to decide whether cleaning is necessary and identify the schedule that offers the best fit for your home.

Co-written with Martin Breeze, Mortgage Broker, TMG The Mortgage Group