As the cold weather arrives, many of rely on our furnaces to ensure that we are kept warm and comfortable. Once we have fired up the furnace after the temperatures have started to drop, many homeowners forget about it completely unless a problem develops. This can be a costly mistake as neglecting regular maintenance increases the risk of an issue leaving you feeling the cold.
Necessary Maintenance:
If you have a gas fueled furnace, the heat in your home occurs as a result of burning propane or natural gas. This process involves highly combustible material and a flame, so it should highlight the importance that this is conducted safely. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure that there are no blockages in the system or other damage that could compromise performance. Many furnaces have safety measures that cause an auto shut off in case of improper function, but this is not always the case. This means that proper maintenance is the best way to ensure that you and your family are safe, avoiding costly and potentially dangerous furnace problems.
The Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
The range of consequences that occur from neglecting your furnace maintenance can vary from minor issues to more serious problems. These include:
A risk of carbon monoxide poisoning; This gas is a natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. It is particularly dangerous as it is not only deadly, but has no taste, odor or color. This means that even a small leak can allow potentially fatal amounts of carbon monoxide to accumulate inside your home. Almost all gas furnaces will produce a small amount of this gas, but it is usually vented outside of your home harmlessly. Unfortunately, when a furnace has not been regularly maintained and serviced, there is the potential for producing greater amounts. A professional HVAC technician will check your system for any risk factors, such as cracks, reduced airflow, equipment malfunction or improper ventilation that could put you in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other Consequences of Neglecting Maintenance:
Some other consequences of failing to properly maintain your furnace include an increase in your energy bills. If your furnace has not been maintained correctly, the dust and debris that can accumulate during the inactivity of summer can cause damage to the internal components. This can compromise performance and efficiency, meaning that your furnace may quickly become an energy hog.
A lack of proper attention can also shorten the lifespan of your furnace and heating system. Even a small fault can cause catastrophic damage if it is left unchecked for a prolonged period.
You may also find that failing to have your furnace regularly serviced could void your manufacturer’s warranty. Most manufacturers stipulate the regular maintenance conducted by a licensed professional is necessary to ensure coverage. This means that if you fail to have your furnace serviced and it breaks down, you could be faced with the cost of repairing or replacing the entire furnace.
Regular servicing and maintenance are vital to ensure that your furnace continues to function correctly. An annual service by a professional HVAC specialist will ensure that your system not only continues to operate correctly, but also provides greater energy efficiency and prolongs the equipment lifespan.