Home Maintenance

August 14, 2023

Furnace Care 101: Keep Your Heating System Firing for Years Ahead

Maximize furnace efficiency and safety with proactive maintenance! Learn how regular servicing can extend your furnace's lifespan and save you money.

You may not be thinking about your furnace when you’re soaking up the precious summer days in Alberta. However, it’s actually an ideal time to get ahead of the game and set your furnace up for success. So let’s take a moment to see how you’ll be heating your home once the fall chill settles in.

One crucial aspect of furnace maintenance that often gets overlooked is proactive servicing. Trust us, you don’t want to wait until something goes wrong and get stuck paying extra emergency after-hours charges. There's never a more proactive time to service than during the scorching hot summer!

Regularly servicing your furnace not only helps maintain its efficiency but also ensures safety and prolongs its lifespan. Let’s check out the benefits of proactive furnace servicing and shed some light on the troubles and risks associated with neglecting this important maintenance task.

Maintaining furnace efficiency

One of the key reasons to proactively service your furnace is to maintain its efficiency. Over time, furnaces accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can clog the system and hinder its performance. A poorly maintained furnace works harder to generate the desired heat and airflow. This results in increased energy consumption and, ultimately, higher utility bills.

You can keep your system running at peak efficiency by scheduling regular furnace cleaning. A professional technician will clean the burners, check for leaks, and ensure all components function at their best. Be sure to keep the area around your furnace clean and clutter-free to help it run smoothly and reduce the risk of fire hazards.

Regular furnace cleaning improves your furnace’s efficiency and extends its lifespan, saving you money in the long run. And who wants to spend their vacation money on a new furnace instead? We didn’t think so.

Ensuring safety

Neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to potential safety hazards. A dirty or poorly maintained furnace can accumulate carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas that is highly toxic. Carbon monoxide leaks can occur if the combustion chamber or heat exchanger becomes damaged or cracked.

Regular furnace servicing includes a thorough inspection of the combustion chamber and heat exchanger, identifying potential leaks or issues. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and keep your home and family safe by finding and addressing problems early on.

Prolonging furnace life expectancy

Furnace life expectancy can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of the unit, usage patterns, and maintenance practices. A well-maintained furnace has a longer lifespan compared to one that's neglected. A great way to show your furnace some love is by changing your air filter regularly.

Bonus – this also helps reduce the dust blowing through your dryer vent and accumulating on your favourite furniture! A dirty filter causes your furnace to work harder, which leads to unnecessary strain on the system. Check your furnace owner’s manual and change your air filter regularly.

Need help? Our Rümi service providers can change your filter for you!  

Need more than a filter swap? During a furnace tune-up, technicians perform maintenance tasks to reduce stress on the system. These tasks include lubricating parts and tightening connections. This proactive approach not only improves the longevity of your furnace but also minimizes the likelihood of costly breakdowns and repairs.

Troubles and risks of neglecting furnace maintenance

Choosing to neglect furnace servicing can lead to a range of issues. As mentioned, grime and gunk, such as dust and debris, can accumulate in the furnace. This will obstruct airflow and cause uneven heating throughout your home. Additionally, a poorly maintained furnace is more susceptible to breakdowns and malfunctions.

Picture yourself waking up on a chilly winter morning to a furnace that won't fire. It's not the cozy winter morning you had hoped for. You will need extra clothes to keep warm, and emergency repairs cost more and may not be immediately available.

Energy efficiency and cost savings

Many homeowners wonder whether running the furnace fan continuously saves energy. The answer depends on the specific circumstances, like the make and model of your furnace. While constantly running the fan can help distribute heat more evenly and improve indoor air quality, it may also increase energy consumption.

The overall energy efficiency of your furnace plays a more significant role in cost savings. Energy-efficient furnaces minimize energy wastage and reduce utility bills. By investing in an energy-efficient furnace and regularly servicing it, you'll enjoy substantial long-term savings on your heating costs.

You can take your efficiency one step further with a programmable thermostat. They’ll help you save money on your energy bills and also extend the life of your furnace. Programming your thermostat to adjust the temperature when you're away or asleep will reduce the workload on your furnace so it's running efficiently for the many winters to come.

Proactivity is key

Proactive furnace servicing is crucial in maintaining the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your heating system. Schedule annual cleanings and inspections with our Rümi HVAC professionals now so you can cross one thing off your home to-do’s and reduce potential safety and fire hazards in your home.

No more worrying about your furnace letting you down when winter hits. All our experts have been vetted for security and safety. You can always trust who's working on your home when you book with Rümi.

Don't overlook the importance of regular maintenance for your furnace. Proactively invest in the well-being of your heating system and the comfort of your home. Remember, the cost of furnace cleaning is a small price compared to the potential expenses of inefficient, unsafe or malfunctioning systems. By taking care of your furnace, you'll reap the rewards of a reliable, efficient and long-lasting heating system.

Protect your investment

A home protection plan can help you manage your home expenses with confidence. Our Home Systems Protection Plan is designed to save you money when core home systems go on the blink. Covered systems include central heating, A/C, electrical, plumbing and hot water tank components. Sign up today!

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