Furnaces are a core component of home climate systems, and when they break down, it can leave you at the mercy of colder temperatures. Like all appliances, they warrant a yearly inspection. Many homeowners, unfortunately, skip these, which can result in the need for furnace repairs and other mechanical issues. Below is everything you need to know to ensure that you get lasting, reliable use from your system.

A Homeowner’s Guide to Furnaces

How They Work

Furnaces work by heating ambient, cool air. A propane or natural gas igniter activates when the furnace is turned on. It then heats a metal heat exchanger. As ambient air passes through, it’s heated to the temperature programmed on the thermostat. The heated air is then blown through your system’s ductwork and distributed throughout your home. At the same time, cool air is drawn into the ductwork, treated in the heat exchanger, and returned.

Many people put off inspections because they feel that if there’s nothing currently wrong, then the furnace is fine. If any part of this system weakens or fails, the furnace isn’t going to heat air effectively, and the stress will eventually require furnace repairs. Many of these issues will not be noticeable until the system fails

Why Yearly Inspections Are Necessary

Early Detection

Many furnace issues, such as a weak igniter, vent blockages, or worn switches, aren’t apparent right away. It takes a trained eye to detect them, which is why it’s wise to contact a furnace repair professional. They’ll carefully inspect all the components, lubricate parts, and provide the basic tune-up needed to keep your furnace working. If they do find early signs of issues, they can resolve them and save you from future breakdowns and more extensive repairs.

Improved Efficiency

A sluggish furnace will struggle to reach the programmed temperatures. This wastes energy and will also overly stress the system. During a tune-up, the HVAC technician will check for drafts, clogged air filters, and clean the flame sensor. These services are designed to help the furnace function as efficiently as possible, reducing your propane costs or gas bill.

Maintaining the Warranty

If your furnace is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll likely be required to schedule inspections. These contracts demand that the furnace receives regular heating service, and you want to be confident that you’re covered if something fails while the warranty is still in effect.

Are you ready to schedule a furnace inspection? Stewart Air Conditioning & Heating is proud to serve residents of Nicholasville, KY, and offers year-round HVAC maintenance. Whether you need furnace repairs, heat pump repairs, or a new installation, they’ll ensure everything is in place so that you get lasting use from your system. Call (859) 252-4945 today to schedule a tune-up. You can connect on Facebook for more maintenance tips and visit their website to learn more about their services.