You've probably been told that you should have your furnace inspected and serviced before the heating season begins each year. You may also have wondered if an annual inspection is really necessary. The answer may depend on the age and condition of your furnace. While it is true that manufacturers recommend a yearly checkup, there may be some instances where that really isn't needed.

Does your furnace need to be serviced annually?

If your furnace is only a few years old, it may be safe to have it serviced every two years, but if your furnace has seen better days (especially if it is more than ten years old), a yearly inspection and servicing can often save you money in the long run. You may think that because you never have a serious problem with your furnace that the cost of an annual tuneup is a waste of money, but that kind of thinking can be deceiving. An HVAC professional has the experience and expertise to head off potential issues that you are not aware of, saving you money from costly breakdowns or emergency calls in the midst of winter. Not having major issues with your furnace may be a direct result of proper annual maintenance instead of a sign that the annual service call was unneeded.

Beware of Voiding Warranties

If you have purchased a new furnace and choose to forego the annual inspection and your furnace goes on the blink, the warranty holder has the right to ask for your servicing records. Failing to maintain the unit properly may be grounds for the warranty holder to deny any warranty claims. While some may tell you that you can safely omit the annual inspection on new units, the manufacturer's warranty may not agree.

What does an inspection include?

A professional inspection of your furnace should include an assessment of its efficiency and safety. Although exactly what tasks are performed depends on the service provider, here are the main things that should be checked. Talk to your HVAC dealer and ask for a list of the tasks they will perform to be sure.

• Wiring
• Vents
• Blower
• Air Intake
• Heat Exchanger
• Ignition
• Burner and Flame
• Combustion Gases
• Amp-draw
• Filters

Advantages of a Furnace Inspection and Cleaning

There are two main advantages of getting your furnace inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis. It assures you that the unit is performing at its best and operating efficiently, saving you dollars on your utility bills. It also ensures the unit is operating safely. This means no harmful emissions from the unit and a minimal risk of fire. Having your furnace serviced yearly protects your family's health, keeps everyone more comfortable, and shaves dollars off your utility bill, too.

An annual inspection and servicing is generally the responsible thing to do to keep your family safe and comfortable and to prolong the lifespan of your furnace. Contact us today to schedule an inspection for your home furnace.