Your Salem, OR, home should feel comfortable and cozy all year round. It should also have healthy indoor air quality. To achieve these things, you will want to ensure that your furnace is working efficiently and safely. This can be accomplished by scheduling an annual furnace inspection. It’s a simple task that makes a big difference in the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your furnace and related equipment.
What is a Furnace Inspection?
A furnace inspection is the perfect opportunity for our team to look at the inner components of your unit. We may notice that certain fittings need to be adjusted, lubricated, or tightened. There may also be the need for replacing parts because of normal wear and tear. This is the perfect time for all of this to be done. Essentially, it’s more affordable and simpler to make these adjustments early on before they turn into a major issue that shuts down your entire HVAC system.
Regular maintenance of your furnace can help lengthen the lifespan of your unit. You may also experience fewer repair needs in between annual inspections and maintenance. Many homeowners see an improvement in their energy bills when they keep up with regular furnace maintenance. A furnace that is overworked and in need of repair can consume more energy to function.
Filter Maintenance Importance
Our team will inspect and replace your furnace filters as part of our maintenance process. Most filters require replacement once every 30 to 90 days. The time frame may be shorter if you have pets in the home, run your HVAC system frequently, or have recently had remodeling work done in your home. If you suffer from allergies, you’ll want to keep up with these filter changes diligently. As your filter and its housing are exposed to particulate matter such as dust, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores, this can affect your furnace’s ability to function efficiently. Also, these contaminants may circulate back into your home and decrease your indoor air quality level.
Carbon Monoxide Risks
A furnace inspection considers different parts of a furnace to ensure they are intact and functioning properly. We will check for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be deadly at high enough concentrations. This colorless and odorless gas can be circulated into your home from a cracked heat exchanger. We can replace your heat exchanger or install a new unit if necessary.
Furnace Warranty Coverage
When your furnace was new, it likely came with warranty coverage from the manufacturer of the unit. Many manufacturers will require you to keep up with annual maintenance and inspections from a professional to keep this coverage valid. Make sure you hang on to receipts and repair information for proof.
Keep in mind that inspecting or working on your furnace yourself can void the warranty. Most policies indicate that DIY work is not allowed.
All repairs should be completed with high-quality parts from the manufacturer. Aftermarket items may save you money initially, but they can cause a host of problems later.
What Does an Inspection Include?
There are several parts that contribute to the function of your furnace. Each of these parts will be inspected for quality, integrity, and safety.
Gas and Electrical Connections
If there is anything amiss with the connections on your furnace that deliver electricity or gas to your unit, this is a major safety issue. We will promptly diagnose and repair such a problem.
Thermostat Calibration
Your thermostat must be working accurately to prevent excessive energy consumption by your furnace running too frequently. We can calibrate your thermostat, if necessary, but we can also upgrade it. If you’ve not yet had a smart thermostat installed, now is the time to consider this upgrade. A smart thermostat can help you save money on your utility bills by following an efficient heating and cooling schedule. You can also monitor and control your furnace remotely using a smart device.
Cracks and Corrosion
A furnace is designed to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. You can expect this time frame to be longer if you are scheduling a routine inspection annually. However, the integrity of your system will decrease because of age. We inspect for signs of wear and tear like cracks and corrosion. While some of these issues are simply cosmetic, a crack or corrosion on your heat exchanger can be dangerous. We’ll also look at things like your blower motor, fan blades, electrical connections, etc. for signs of wear.
Finding a Reputable Professional for Inspections
When looking for an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace, make sure that you find someone who carries the proper certifications and licenses. Several affiliations can further put your mind at ease that you are working with someone you can trust. Word of mouth is a great way to discover an HVAC company that provides high-quality furnace services. In addition to finding out who you should work with, you can also discover who to avoid.
When Should You Schedule Inspections?
It’s ideal that you schedule a furnace inspection in Salem before the temperatures start to drop outside. This gives our team the opportunity to catch any issues before they disrupt the process of warming your home in the fall and winter. Ideally, you should give us a call sometime during the summer months to set up an appointment soon.
In between inspections, make sure that you’re watching out for signs that something is wrong with your furnace. This can include things like abnormal sounds or smells, a sudden increase in your energy bills, your furnace is running more frequently than normal or not turning off, or you aren’t feeling warm air blow out of your vents when your furnace is running.
How Often Should an Inspection Occur?
You should schedule a furnace inspection annually. You’ll want to have your air conditioning equipment inspected as well. You’ll likely schedule that appointment in late winter or early spring to ensure cool and comfortable air in your home during the warmer months.
Maintenance Agreements
If you’re looking to save money on annual maintenance for your furnace (and air conditioner), you may want to consider signing up for a maintenance agreement with an HVAC company. This agreement includes annual inspections and maintenance at a set fee. You may also receive priority for emergency repairs. A maintenance agreement can save you money over many years compared to scheduling emergency service every time something goes wrong.
It’s important to note that not all HVAC professionals have the knowledge and experience to perform accurate furnace inspections. Make sure you’re working with a team that provides a high level of service to each client. At Home Comfort Inc., we offer routine furnace inspections and maintenance as well as the installation and repair of different types of heating and cooling equipment. We also address indoor air quality concerns and perform commercial HVAC work. Contact Home Comfort Inc. in Salem to schedule an appointment today.
