How Often Should You Service a Furnace? Homeowner Guide

Clients in the HVAC world tend to have a number of relatively common questions, including a few that surround frequency needs for HVAC service. A regular example: How often should a furnace be serviced?

At Air Time Heating & Cooling, we're proud to offer an extensive range of AC and furnace repair, replacement and related services for clients around Draper, Herriman and nearby areas of Utah. Here are some basics on how often a furnace should receive service, plus some of the key reasoning behind this frequency recommendation.

How Often Should a Furnace Be Serviced?

There's a simple answer to this question that's relatively constant throughout the industry: At least once per year.

This refers, at minimum, to the yearly inspection and tune-up that your furnace should receive in the fall period, just before temperatures turn their coldest for the winter. This maintenance appointment is vital for a few key reasons:

• Efficiency: Regular servicing ensures that your furnace is running at its highest efficiency, which can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
• Safety: Furnaces can produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that is often referred to as the "silent killer." Annual inspections can catch any potential issues before they become a hazard to your household.
• Longevity: Just like with any other machine or appliance, regular maintenance and upkeep can extend the lifespan of your furnace. This means fewer costly repairs and replacements down the line.
• Warranty Requirements: Many furnace manufacturers require annual servicing for their warranty to remain valid. Skipping this yearly appointment could void your warranty and leave you responsible for expensive repairs out

This inspection and tune-up also allows your furnace technician to identify any minor issues that may have cropped up during the summer when the furnace was unused, such as a dirty filter or a faulty igniter. Catching and fixing these problems early on can prevent them from turning into major issues later on.

When Should a Furnace Be Serviced More Often?

There are certain situations where your furnace should receive service even outside of this once-yearly fall window, including:

• If your furnace is older than 15 years, it should be serviced every six months to ensure it's still running efficiently and safely.
• If you have pets in the home, or if there are smokers living in the house, this can cause more dirt and debris to build up in your furnace. In these cases, it may be beneficial to have your furnace serviced twice a year.
• If you notice any unusual sounds or smells coming from your furnace, or if you experience any changes in its performance (such as uneven heating or frequent cycling), this could indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
• In areas with harsher winters or high usage of the furnace due to extreme weather conditions, it is sometimes recommended to schedule a mid-winter maintenance appointment as well.
• If you have other immediate repair needs, from a leaky toilet to a broken window, be sure to schedule service.

When Should a Furnace Be Serviced Less Often?

Quite frankly, the answer to this question is very close to "never." Furnaces require regular maintenance to function properly and efficiently. However, there are a few rare exceptions where servicing may not be necessary as often:

• If you have recently invested in a brand new furnace, it may require less frequent maintenance for the first couple of years. Check with the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model.
• If you have switched to a higher quality air filter or upgraded to an electronic air cleaner, this can also reduce the frequency of required servicing.

Even in these cases, however, it's generally recommended to have your furnace serviced at least once a year for optimal performance and longevity. Regular maintenance can catch any potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Value of a Service Agreement

Many top HVAC companies, including our team at Air Time Heating & Cooling, offer running service agreements with their customers that include these yearly furnace and air conditioner tune-ups. These can often be packaged together and also include discounts on any repairs or replacements needed throughout the year. This can be a great option for those looking to save money in the long term and ensure their HVAC system is always running smoothly.

As you can see, yearly furnace service is important to keep this vital HVAC component in top working order. For more here, or to learn about any of our heating or AC services around Draper, Herriman and nearby areas, contact us today at Air Time Heating & Cooling!