When the weather gets cold, your furnace becomes your best ally against the cold. However, this essential equipment can also silently drain your wallet. But understanding how your furnace is costing you money can ultimately keep more money in your wallet. With the help of preventative maintenance, you don’t need to fear turning up the heat this time of year.
This guide, focusing on preventative maintenance, will explore various ways your furnace may be increasing your expenses and what you can do to offset these costs. We’re here to help at Area Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling!
Older or poorly maintained furnaces often operate inefficiently. This inefficiency means they use more energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to higher utility bills. But what are the signs of an inefficient furnace, anyway? But what are the signs of an inefficient furnace, anyway?
There are a few things to look out for:
If you're seeing any of these signs, it's a good idea to have your furnace inspected by us at Area Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling. We can help you determine if your furnace is inefficient. Even if your furnace isn’t showing any of these signs, preventative maintenance can ensure smooth operation all winter long.
No one wants to deal with furnace repairs. But a furnace that doesn’t get preventative maintenance may require more frequent repairs. These breakdowns not only cause discomfort during cold Indiana winters but also add up in repair costs.
When your furnace is always breaking down, you’re more likely to deal with the following stressful situations:
Indiana's winters can be harsh with temperatures often dropping significantly. A malfunctioning furnace leads to unpredictable heating outages, leaving homes uncomfortably cold. This can be particularly challenging during extreme weather conditions, impacting the wellbeing of residents, especially children and the elderly.
When a furnace breaks down in the midst of winter, it often requires emergency repair services. These services typically come at a premium, especially outside of regular business hours or during peak seasons. The urgency and necessity of the repairs can lead to higher costs than routine maintenance or scheduled repairs.
Fun fact: if you’re part of our Discount Club, you get first priority on breakdown repairs at discounted rates!
Frequent breakdowns mean repeated repairs, and these costs can quickly add up. Over time, the total expense of these repairs could rival the cost of a new furnace, making it an inefficient financial choice in the long run.
But here’s the good news! Preventative maintenance HVAC services can identify and fix small issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Without proper care, furnaces work harder than necessary, which can shorten their lifespan. Not only is replacing a furnace is a significant expense, it will also cost a lot of money in terms of energy bills.
When you don’t take care of your furnace, it’ll cost you money in the following ways:
Furnaces that are not regularly maintained tend to work harder than necessary. This is often due to clogged filters, dirty components, or inefficient operation. The extra strain put on the furnace accelerates wear and tear on its parts, leading to more frequent breakdowns and a shortened overall lifespan.
A furnace working harder than it should typically consumes more energy. This inefficiency can be due to a variety of issues, such as a struggling blower motor, a dirty burner, or a malfunctioning thermostat. The result is a furnace that runs longer and harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to significantly higher energy bills.
An overworked furnace may struggle to evenly distribute heat throughout the home, leading to inconsistent temperatures and comfort issues. This can result in certain rooms being too cold while others are too warm, further prompting the furnace to work harder to balance out these discrepancies
A poorly maintained furnace can negatively impact your home's air quality. It can circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants, potentially leading to health issues and increased medical expenses.
A furnace that is not properly maintained can become a source of indoor air pollution. Over time, dust, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens can accumulate in the furnace's filters and ducts. When the furnace operates, these contaminants are circulated throughout the home, leading to poorer air quality.
Pollutants in the air can have a direct impact on the health of your family. Common issues include allergies, respiratory problems, headaches, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience worsened symptoms due to the contaminated air.
An unmaintained furnace can pose safety risks, such as carbon monoxide leaks or fire hazards. These risks not only endanger your family's safety but could also lead to expensive legal liabilities.
As a 2023 Housecall Pro Super Pro, Area Sheet Heating & Cooling is here to help save you money with preventative maintenance. Trust us for our expertise, positive customer experiences, and our popular Discount Club!