Having the furnace inspected and tuned up annually should be on every homeowner's list. This simple service visit ensures your furnace is repaired and ready for the cooler season.

1. Avoid Cold Weather Malfunctions

All too often, a furnace can break down on the first really cold night of the year, simply because it has to work harder to warm your home. Getting an immediate repair under these conditions may not be possible, so you and your family are left in the cold. By scheduling annual maintenance in the fall, any potential issues can be found and repaired so it will be less likely that you will have an unforeseen breakdown.

2. Increase the Longevity of Your Furnace

Understandably, the longer you go between furnace replacements, the more money you can save. One of the easiest ways to ensure your current furnace lasts a long time is to make sure it is tuned up, cleaned, and lubricated every year. You may be able to add years to the life of the furnace with a simple annual tune-up.

3. Save Money on Energy Costs

A well-maintained furnace tends to work more efficiently to warm your home. This is in part because all moving parts will be operating smoothly, including the blower, which leads to less energy draw. Cleaning out the furnace also improves air circulation, so that the furnace can heat more efficiently. By keeping the furnace maintained, it will operate better and your energy bills might be lower than if you had skipped the maintenance.

4. Improve Your Home's Air Quality

Air quality is a major concern, especially in winter when you are stuck inside for much of the time. The air inside of your home recirculates constantly through the furnace. If your ducts, furnace filters, or the blower inside the furnace are coated in dust, then that dust and dirt will also be in the air you breathe. A regular tune-up along with monthly filter changes will ensure the air in your home is much better quality.

5. Prevent Common Safety Hazards

A poorly maintained furnace can be a safety hazard. Dirty gas valves or a malfunctioning igniter or burner pan can lead to fire risk or the risk of carbon monoxide production. With electric furnaces, old wiring that hasn't been maintained can short and pose an electrical fire hazard. Maintenance visits catch these issues so they can be repaired before they become dangerous.

Contact a heating repair service for more information.