A furnace that doesn't receive regular maintenance can have its system compromised. A compromised furnace must expend a greater amount of energy to perform. Something as minor as clogged filters will force the heater to work harder, the result being that your utility bill goes higher each month.
When you skip a yearly furnace maintenance appointment, cracks can begin to form in the heat exchanger. As these cracks form, carbon monoxide begins to leak into your air vents.
Ideally, you would have your furnace serviced at least once a year. To elaborate on that point, you should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any problems early on and to keep your furnace in top condition. Professional maintenance and cleaning provide many benefits, which we'll cover next.
The furnace repair costs in the Southern California area vary according to the repair needed. It can range anywhere from $100 to $200 to as high as $2,000-$3,000. We know that's a wide range of furnace repair pricing.
The cost of furnace cleaning can vary depending on several factors, but on average, it ranges from $60 to $400. While this might seem like a wide range, the final price will depend on things like the size of the furnace, its condition, and the specific services included in the cleaning.
It's best to do a thorough furnace cleaning before it gets too cold outside. The best thing is you don't need an HVAC professional to clean the unit for you. There are heating maintenance tasks you can do to avoid being bitterly cold and unsafe.
Inspection of Key Components
A certified technician will carefully examine your furnace, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or potential issues. This includes inspecting the heat exchanger, burner, ignition system, electrical connections, and thermostat.
A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.
It's not advisable to perform furnace repairs yourself. Furnaces involve safety hazards and complex systems. Hiring a licensed HVAC technician is recommended for safety and proper repairs. You can do basic maintenance like cleaning and changing filters, but for anything beyond that, professional help is best.
Annual furnace tune-ups are recommended to keep your furnace running efficiently and reliably. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures your system is operating at peak efficiency. However, you may need a tune-up sooner if you see signs like: Increased Energy Bills.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
On average, a furnace cleaning will take 1.5 to 2 hours to professionally clean. But depending on the condition of the furnace, the size of the home extra time may be required to clean your furnace fully. A furnace cleaning and tune-ups includes: Inspect and clean heat exchanger for cracks or blocking.
All furnace manufacturers recommend annual maintenance to be performed by a qualified technician.
Dust and dirt can cause blockages in your filters and corrosion on metal components, leading to more frequent breakdowns and costly repairs. Routine cleaning helps to prevent these issues, ensuring that your furnace runs smoothly for many years.
Annual maintenance can be between $150 and $500 — which includes inspection and basic repairs. Furnace inspections cost between $100 and $300. Remember, it depends on the furnace brand, field type, and model.
While there's no such thing as furnace or boiler replacement insurance, homeowners insurance may cover the cost to replace your furnace or boiler if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril.
One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running. This will cause your thermostat battery to run, and cause your furnace to work inefficiently.
Check and adjust the gas valve. On older furnaces, evaluate, clean, and tune the pilot light system. Clean the heat exchanger and check for cracks, holes, or leaks. Inspect and clean the blower and blower motor (your technician might need to remove the blower)
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. This system is responsible for heating and cooling your home and includes products like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps as well as ductwork, thermostats and other home comfort controls.
Not cleaning your furnace can have major negative impacts on you and your family! All of that particulate matter that your furnace attracts gets distributed through the air in your home, meaning poor indoor air quality that can irritate asthma and allergies.
Vacuum out the combustion chamber to remove traces of dirt and soot from the burners and surrounding areas. Wipe the entire interior clean with a cloth to remove any lingering dirt, dust, and soot. Replace the metal access panel and secure it tightly with the removed screws. Restore gas and power to the furnace.
Gas smell from furnace—gas leak. Furnace smells like car exhaust—blocked exhaust pipe. Furnace smells like sewer—dry sewer trap or sewer leak. Furnace smells musty—dirty ductwork.