As a general rule, the average furnace should be properly serviced at least once a year. This will not only maintain the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system, but it’ll also keep your ducts from getting grimy and distributing dust and dirt throughout your home.
However, your HVAC system may need maintenance more often than that depending on where you live, how old your furnace is, how many people are in your household, and whether you have pets.
So how do you know when it’s time to opt for furnace servic near you? What are the top 3 telltale signs of a dirty furnace? Do you need to call a heating service in Cherry Hill, NJ or can you try maintaining the furnace yourself? Read on to find out.
How do I know if my furnace needs servicing?
Failing to give your furnace the service it needs can result in all sorts of issues, some of which can damage your indoor air quality and endanger the health of your loved ones. You can identify most of these problems before they turn serious by giving your furnace and air filters a monthly check-up.
3 common signs of a grimy furnace:
Dust and debris
Over time, everything gets dingy if it’s not maintained often enough. If your furnace is full of hair, dust, grime, and dead skin particles, it probably needs servicing.
Take a look at the air filters in your HVAC vents. If they’re caked with dirt and dust, clean or replace them and then recheck them a couple days later. If the new or cleaned air filters have already gotten dirty, that’s a sure sign that your furnace could use a good scrubbing.
High energy bills
Did you receive an energy bill that’s unusually high, despite not using your furnace any more than normal? Dirt buildup inside the furnace can cause it to overwork. This will make the furnace consume more energy while also being less effective at heating your home.
Yellow furnace flames
The flames in a gas furnace should be blue. If you’re seeing orange or yellow flames, that’s a sign of a dirty burner or a dirty flame sensor. Either way, the furnace should be serviced ASAP. Failing to do so can lead to a carbon monoxide leak.
How often should you have your furnace maintained?
Scheduling maintenance for your furnace at least once every 1 or 2 years is highly recommended. However, in some cases it may need more frequent attention. If you have a large family, there’s pet dander in your home, your furnace is older, a family member suffers from respiratory issues, or you notice any signs that your furnace isn’t performing at its best, you should schedule a check up more often to secure a better air quality in your home.
How long does furnace maintenance take?
Most furnaces only need to be serviced on a yearly basis. This annual maintenance is best performed during the early fall. In addition to ensuring your furnace is ready for winter, this will also keep you and your family cozy during the cold autumn days.
Professional furnace maintenance usually takes up to 2 hours. However, it may take longer if the furnace is especially large or dirty.
Furnace maintenance and tune-up includes:
Examining and replacing air filters
Examining and cleaning flue pipes
Examining and cleaning the heat exchanger
Making sure all safety controls are operating properly
Making sure natural gas pressure is correctly set
Producing a written assessment of the furnace’s status
How much does it cost to get your furnace serviced?
The price of this service depends on the size and type of your furnace and its current condition. It can include tasks such as cleaning the burners, blower motor, heat exchanger, and other components. Feel free to reach out to our friendly staff and ask for a precise price estimate based on your specific needs and circumstances.
Where can I book the premier heating service in Cherry Hill, NJ?
An improperly or infrequently maintained furnace can result in sky-high energy bills, insufficient heating, expensive HVAC repairs, and even severe health hazards. For this reason, you should always have your furnaces serviced by reputable HVAC contractors.
With over 400 5-star reviews and more than 8000 finished projects, Allied Experts is the go-to provider of HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services in Camden County and beyond. Call us today if you’d like to book an appointment or ask further questions.