While HVAC maintenance is necessary all year, it’s especially important during the cold season. Your furnace will need to work harder as temperatures drop, which puts extra strain on the system and wears out the internal components. Fortunately, proactive care from professionals can mitigate the wear and tear and prevent common issues. Here’s why you should call a heating contractor and how they’ll help.

The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance From an HVAC Contractor

Most furnaces last around 20 years under ideal conditions. However, without proper maintenance, the life span could be far shorter. A professional will inspect the system and make adjustments to ensure that the system is running smoothly, extending its life. Also, if they notice that any parts are wearing out too quickly, they will replace or fix them, preventing unexpected breakdowns.

Technician looking over a gas furnace with a flashlight before cleaning it.

During the winter, air quality issues are common, as the windows are generally kept closed, preventing fresh air from entering. Additionally, because the heating system works harder than normal, the ducts may progressively deteriorate, letting dirty air loose. During a maintenance appointment, an HVAC contractor will clean out the ducts and change the filters, ensuring that your air stays clean.

What Happens During a Preventative Maintenance Appointment?

During a winter visit from an HVAC technician, they will primarily inspect and test the heating system. First, they’ll look for signs of wear and tear on the furnace’s exterior. If they discover any cracks, for example, they’ll repair them. Next, they’ll clean and examine the interior parts, including the blower, pilot control, and motors.

Finally, they’ll test the carbon monoxide levels to check for leaks, calibrate the thermostat, measure the electrical usage to ensure energy-efficiency, and turn the furnace back on to do a final performance check.

If you’re a homeowner looking for HVAC maintenance services, contact Duncklee Cooling & Heating, Inc. Serving Southeastern Connecticut and Western Rhode Island, as well as New London and Washington counties, they have almost 45 years of experience inspecting furnaces and fixing heating issues. They have a reputation for being reliable and environmentally friendly. To learn more about their services, call (860) 535-2552 or visit their website.