Topline is ready to help you with all of your heating and cooling needs. Call us at (717) 628-6825 to schedule a furnace inspection or AC maintenance today!
Most PA homeowners don’t really think about what happens in their HVAC systems until something goes wrong. However, regular maintenance from Honey Brook’s furnace maintenance experts can prevent breakdowns and ensure you have steady, reliable heating throughout the winter.
Does a New Furnace Need to be Inspected?
If you’ve recently replaced your old furnace with a new, energy-efficient model, you may wonder, “Does a new furnace need to be inspected?”
Starting your maintenance schedule as soon as you purchase new HVAC equipment may feel like a waste, but it still provides peace of mind. We generally recommend starting your routine inspections six months after buying your new furnace, especially if you’ve used it a lot during the previous season.
Maintaining a new unit is the same as handling an older one and gives all of the same benefits. If you want to get the best possible performance out of your new furnace and keep it going for decades to come, regular inspections and maintenance are key.
What Happens During a Furnace Inspection?
An HVAC contractor will typically schedule an annual or bi-annual inspection, depending on how heavily you use your furnace. At Topline, we generally recommend an inspection before winter and potentially one during the spring to address any wear and tear that happened over the season.
Professional technicians have a comprehensive checklist that covers every aspect of the furnace and heating system, such as:
- The vent system for blockages or leaks
- Gas combustion efficiency to ensure they meet manufacturer specifications
- The blower access door to ensure it makes a tight seal
- The heat exchanger for rust and other sides of damage
- The blower wheel for blockages
- The drainage system for debris, which we will clean if necessary
- The burners for optimal ignition, flame sensing, and flame size
- All of the filters, and cleaning or replacing them when necessary
- The gas pressure
- The static air pressure
- The temperature rise to ensure it meets manufacturer specifications
Are Furnace Inspections Necessary?
Does a new furnace need to be inspected, or can you get away with skipping routine maintenance?
Many homeowners are reluctant to schedule regular furnace inspections, partially due to the inspection cost but also due to the effort and time involved. While furnace inspections are lengthy, they are essential for keeping your HVAC system running optimally.
Some DIY enthusiasts believe they understand enough about gas-forced-air furnaces to conduct an inspection themselves and save money. While you can run a small inspection of the furnace yourself, you will still need to contact a professional to handle the more challenging aspects of the inspection and potential repairs.
However, furnace inspections aren’t just about ensuring your furnace works. Regular maintenance offers many other benefits, including extending the lifespan of your unit, keeping your warranty intact, and optimizing your furnace performance for the best possible heating during winter.
The Benefits of Routine Furnace Inspections
Just like servicing your car helps extend its lifespan and keep it running optimally for longer, regular furnace inspections give you peace of mind and offer numerous advantages. While many homeowners focus on the inspection cost, we prefer to view inspections in terms of their benefits.
Fewer Repairs
Regular maintenance reduces the need for repairs. Inspections are the perfect time for HVAC teams to identify small problems and replace worn parts, which reduces the strain on the system and prevents excess wear and tear. The sooner you identify a problem, such as an air leak or worn bearings on the blower motor, the easier the fix. However, the longer you leave an issue untreated, the more expensive and time-consuming the repairs will be.
Longer Operating Life
The main thing that reduces the lifespan of a furnace is excessive wear and tear. If a part isn’t working correctly, it puts additional strain on the rest of the system, resulting in more wear and tear on other parts. Eventually, the entire system collapses, often well before it should.
Maintenance can help extend your furnace’s lifespan, which means you can keep using the same unit for longer and avoid having to buy a new furnace prematurely.
Improved Air Quality
Air filters do a lot of work in any HVAC system and are responsible for removing particles that would otherwise get into your home. Air moving through dirty air filters will often pick up some dust and debris, lowering the air quality in your home. Replacing air filters is part of any inspection, improving your air quality and keeping you and your family safe and healthy.
More Savings
Worn systems consume more energy to run. A blower motor will have to work much harder to force air through a clogged filter, and worn bearings can cause friction and extra wear and tear. All of these small inefficiencies add up, resulting in higher power bills.
A furnace that runs optimally will usually cost less, and you’ll have to spend less on future furnace replacements and repairs.
Valid Warranty
Many furnace manufacturers require their HVAC equipment to undergo regular maintenance by a certified HVAC inspector. Failing to keep to the schedule can void your warranty, which means that even if your furnace has a factory flaw, you’ll be unable to get your money back.
Improved Safety
Furnaces generate carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes. While HVAC systems have several safety precautions in place, regular maintenance can prevent your furnace from springing a carbon monoxide leak or overheating. Regular inspections ensure your HVAC technician can identify potential safety issues before they affect you or your family.
Call the Topline Furnace Experts Today
Does a new furnace need to be inspected? How do you know when your system needs repair? Our Topline team of experienced professionals can answer all your HVAC-related questions and provide reliable heating and cooling services.
For more information or to schedule furnace repair, call our Topline Heating & Air team at (717) 628-6825 today.