Keeping your furnace clean and well-kept is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your home comfortable and safe, especially as winter approaches. Consistent maintenance not only helps your HVAC system run smoothly, but it also reduces the risk of it breaking down earlier. So, how often should you clean and service your furnace? The answer depends on your home, your furnace, and how often it is used.
The Once-a-Year Rule
Most HVAC professionals, our team included, recommend getting your furnace cleaned and inspected once a year. The best time to clean your furnace is ideally in the fall, so that you are fully prepared before the winter months. Therefore, if any issues arise, there is time to schedule the correct service to get back to efficient heating for your home. Annual cleanings will remove dust and dirt buildup from your HVAC system’s components.
When More Frequent HVAC Maintenance May Be Needed
Some households may need furnace cleaning and servicing more than once a year. You might consider more frequent service if:
- Your home has pets that shed
- You recently completed renovations or home projects that created dust
- Someone in your home has allergies or asthma
- You smoke inside the home
- You notice more dust than usual in your living spaces
Homes with these conditions often benefit from a checkup every six to nine months. At the very least, you should check your air filter more frequently and replace it as needed.
What Do We Inspect During Routine Furnace Maintenance?
At Honest Air, our licensed technicians ensure that a full inspection is performed to ensure your furnace operates well, including proper:
- Gas pressure
- Airflow
- Igniter resistance
- Heat exchanger examination
- Check for rust and dirt around your burners
- Proper burning
- And more
Are things heating up in your home, but not in a good way? You can count on the Honest Air team to provide high-quality HVAC service and maintenance for homes and businesses across the Frederick and Mt. Airy, Maryland area.
Why Skipping Maintenance Can Be Costly
When dirt and dust build up in your heating and air conditioning system, it results in a need for your machine to work harder to heat and cool your home. Neglecting to service your furnace often will end in an increase in your energy bill and damage to your system.
What You Can Do Between Professional Visits
Even with yearly service, homeowners play a crucial role in maintaining furnace health. Simple routine tasks can make a significant difference in comfort and efficiency.
Tasks You Can Do Between Professional Visits:
- Replace air filters every one to three months
- Keep vents and registers clean and unobstructed
- Vacuum around the furnace area to reduce dust buildup
- Monitor for unusual noises, burning smells, or reduced airflow
- Watch for higher energy bills, which may indicate a performance issue
These small habits help your furnace run smoothly and reduce strain on the system between service appointments.
Furnace Servicing is Vital
A clean and well-serviced furnace is key to maintaining a comfortable and healthy home. By scheduling yearly HVAC maintenance and keeping up with simple care throughout the year, you can enjoy better performance, lower energy bills, and greater peace of mind.