A gas furnace is a vital device for heating any home or commercial building. Gas furnaces are less expensive to run than electric heat, so the furnace must be serviced regularly to prevent problems. Replacing old thermostats, checking all electrical connections, and cleaning the burner are just some steps of furnace servicing. Furnace maintenance is safe, easy, and inexpensive.
8 Reasons Why It’s Time to Call a Professional for Gas Furnace Service Today!
1) Malfunction of gas valves
If your gas furnace has not been serviced in years the valves may be corroded and cease to work properly, resulting in low heat output or not working at all. The valves determine the gas flow and pressure, so if they are not working correctly your furnace may either blow out cold air or turn on and off continuously.
2) Malfunction of burners
If the burner has not been serviced in years it may clog up with dirt and lint. This could result in uneven or inconsistent heating, as well as an increase in your utility bill. Dirty burners will either make the furnace blow out cool air or cause it to shut off early.
3) Malfunction of thermostats
A home’s temperature is regulated by a thermostat that sends signals to the furnace when to turn on and how long to stay on. If the thermostat is not working properly, it will send weak signals to the furnace so that your house never reaches a comfortable temperature. This may seem like an issue with your gas furnace, but oftentimes it is just the out-of-date or malfunctioning thermostat.
4) Malfunction of electrical systems
If your gas furnace has not been serviced, the electrical system may stop working. When an electrician services your heating appliance, he checks the thermostat, blower, and sensor for any malfunctions. The technician can also update your home’s wiring to ensure that every component is properly connected.
5) Carbon monoxide leaks
Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. If your home’s heat exchanger fails, carbon monoxide may escape and leak into your furnace ducts. The hazardous gas will be drawn throughout the ventilation system of your home and enter every room. Gas furnaces that are serviced annually by licensed technicians will check for any leaks and replace the defective component.
6) Unnecessary furnace repairs
A quick fix that is not a professional furnace repair: an unqualified technician may try to improve your furnace without properly diagnosing and fixing the issue. Sometimes the furnace only needs a few minutes of work, but other times it will need more expensive components replaced. At the end of the work, your furnace will either blow out cold air or not turn on. You may think you are saving money by letting a non-qualified person attempt to repair it, but this is costing you more money in the long run.
7) Fuel leakage
Without regular fuel line maintenance, your gas furnace can leak fuel, which is highly explosive. When the gas line becomes corroded due to wear and tear or improper furnace installation it can crack or break. If your furnace does not have regular gas line services this could result in irreparable damage to your home’s structure as well as medical problems if you accidentally inhale fumes.
8) Faulty pilot light
If your furnace has not been serviced in years it may experience problems with the pilot light. If this small flame goes out the furnace will not turn on, and if it is left on for too long without any ventilation or fresh air, carbon monoxide could leak. Whenever your furnace is serviced the technician will relight the pilot light and check for any leaks.
How Often Should You Service Your Gas Furnace to Avoid Issues?
Gas furnaces should be serviced at least once per year by a licensed technician, who will inspect and clean every component of the furnace. The technician will replace filters, relight pilot lights and make sure that everything is running smoothly and safely. The professional will also check that all vents are clear and unobstructed. The more often your gas furnace is serviced, the less likely you are to experience problems.
The 3 Advantages of Gas Furnace Service and Maintenance Regularly
1) Improve the life of the gas furnace as well as the entire HVAC unit:
When the gas furnace is adequately serviced, you will save money in the long term because it can function for a longer period without breaking down. In addition, when the technician replaces the filters and perfectly tunes the HVAC system after installing a new component, he can make it run more efficiently. This will reduce your monthly utility bills and save you money on energy costs in the long term.
2) Keeps your home comfortable all year round
A gas furnace is only one part of your home’s heating and cooling system. A poorly maintained furnace may start experiencing problems, but the HVAC technician can check all components of the unit for damage while he is servicing it. If any other part is damaged or needs replacing, you will not have to wait until another time to have incorrectly working parts replaced because they are all being done at the same time.
3) Safeguards your safety
Furnace service is important for your health and safety. A malfunctioning gas furnace can emit carbon monoxide into your home, which can result in serious medical complications or death if you are not vigilant about the problem. A licensed technician will check all components of the unit during a gas furnace service and will ensure that the entire unit is working correctly and safely.
Conclusion:
You may think that gas furnaces do not need servicing, but the truth is regular furnace maintenance and tune-ups can prolong the life of your furnace and ensure it is safe for you and your family to use. It is always a good idea to schedule an appointment with a professional technician at least once per year to make sure everything is working properly.
