When the chilly weather hits in Kent, WA, your furnace becomes a vital part of keeping your home warm and comfortable. To ensure your heating system operates efficiently and avoids costly breakdowns, regular furnace maintenance is key. But how often should you have your furnace serviced?
How Often Should I Have My Furnace Serviced?
Why is Regular Furnace Maintenance Important?
Think of your furnace like a car: regular furnace maintenance ensures it runs smoothly and catches any issues before they become major problems. A furnace that’s well-maintained is more efficient, lasts longer, and operates safely—especially important when you rely on it to heat your home during Kent’s colder months.
Book Now
Furnace Service Importance
Here are just a few reasons why regular heating service is crucial:
- Maximize Efficiency: Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can build up inside your furnace, making it work harder to heat your home. A furnace that runs inefficiently uses more energy, leading to higher utility bills.
- Prevent Breakdowns: Furnaces that don’t get regular check-ups are more likely to break down unexpectedly. Regular service helps identify potential issues before they lead to a full system failure.
- Extend the Lifespan: Like any appliance, proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your furnace, allowing it to function at its best for years.
- Ensure Safety: Furnaces, especially gas-powered ones, can pose safety risks if not properly maintained. Carbon monoxide leaks, gas line issues, or malfunctioning components can all be prevented with regular service.
How Often Should Your Furnace Be Serviced?
For most homeowners in Kent, WA, we recommend having your furnace serviced once a year, ideally before the heating season begins in the fall. This gives you the peace of mind that your furnace is ready to handle the cold months ahead. By scheduling an annual service, you can avoid unexpected issues and keep your furnace running smoothly throughout the winter.
When is the Best Time for Furnace Service?
The best time for furnace maintenance is in fall—before the temperature drops and you start relying on your system daily. Here’s why:
- Pre-Winter Efficiency: Scheduling service in the fall allows your furnace to be ready when the cold weather hits, so you don’t have to worry about breakdowns when it’s most inconvenient.
- Avoid Busy Season: Fall is typically the off-peak season for heating contractors, so you’re more likely to get a convenient appointment time and may even find better pricing.
However, if you missed the fall season, don’t worry. You can still schedule furnace service anytime during the winter months. Just keep in mind that the sooner you get your system checked, the sooner potential issues can be detected.
What If My Furnace Is Over 10-15 Years Old?
If your furnace is more than 10-15 years old, it’s still important to have it serviced regularly. Older systems can be more prone to breakdowns and inefficiency. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace an aging furnace rather than continue repairing it.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your older furnace, our technicians can provide an honest assessment. We’ll help you determine if it’s time for a replacement or if a few repairs can keep it running for another winter.
What Happens If I Don’t Service My Furnace?
Skipping regular furnace maintenance can lead to several issues, including:
- Increased energy bills: A poorly maintained furnace has to work harder, using more energy to heat your home.
- More frequent repairs: Small problems can snowball into costly breakdowns if left untreated.
- Shortened lifespan: Lack of maintenance can cause parts to wear out prematurely, meaning you might have to replace your furnace sooner than expected.
- Safety hazards: A malfunctioning furnace can pose risks such as carbon monoxide leaks, which can be deadly if not addressed.
Can I Do Service My Furnace Myself?
While there are some basic tasks you can perform to help maintain your furnace (like replacing the air filter), it’s always best to leave the full inspection and maintenance to the professionals. Furnaces are complex systems, and trying to fix them on your own can lead to costly mistakes or safety hazards.
If you’re comfortable, you can change your furnace filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter. But when it comes to ensuring your furnace runs safely and efficiently, always hire a licensed technician to perform an annual tune-up.
Contact Us Today
Don’t wait until your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter—schedule your annual furnace service with Meridian Mechanical today. Whether it’s for routine maintenance or you need help with a more serious issue, we’re here to keep your home warm and your furnace running efficiently all season long.
Get a Quote