When winter temperatures plummet, West Michigan homeowners rely on their furnaces more than ever. A furnace works hard to heat your home, distributing warm air through vents and ductwork to regulate the indoor climate. A furnace requires regular maintenance checks since it’s such an essential piece of equipment. Annual tune-ups ensure that your furnace is energy-efficient, operational, and, most importantly, consistent.
Vredevoogd provides comprehensive heating services in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and throughout West and Mid Michigan. Our goal is to keep your furnace working at its best so that you stay comfortable all winter long. In this blog, we’ll break down the major reasons why annual furnace tune-ups are critical.
Importance of Regular Furnace Maintenance
West and Mid Michigan is susceptible to below-freezing temperatures that can dip as low as 25 degrees F. Pair that with our proximity to Lake Michigan, and you have heavy lake-effect snowfall that brings in frost and hail.
Michigan homeowners place greater strain on furnaces simply because we use them more. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent catastrophic breakdowns or costly repairs.
Benefits of Professional Furnace Maintenance
Even new furnaces should receive a tune-up once a year. A licensed HVAC technician can identify and troubleshoot furnace issues before they become larger problems.
There are several other benefits to furnace tune-ups, including:
Enhanced Home Safety
Checking vital components like the burner combustion or furnace motors will significantly decrease the fire risk. A technician will also ensure that your furnace isn’t producing toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
Reduced Risk of Breakdown
Nobody wants to be without heat on a bitterly cold day. Furnace tune-ups guarantee that your heating system is working correctly.
Extended Lifespan
The average gas furnace lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Minimizing the effects of wear and tear on a furnace unit will extend its longevity by several years.
Lower Heating Costs
When your furnace works efficiently, you can warm your home with less fuel, lowering utility bills.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
While homeowners can replace or clean air filters on their own, in-line filtration systems require a professional inspection. Once cleaned, a furnace’s filter will capture more dirt, dust, and airborne contaminants.
Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up
We recommend scheduling a furnace tune-up once a year. If you notice any of these signs from your furnace, it may be time to bump up your heating maintenance check:
- Odd noises: Beware of pops, creaks, or squeaks, as these sounds indicate a dislodged internal component.
- Frequent short-cycling: If your furnace can’t run for a complete cycle, overheating or a thermostat malfunction may be to blame.
- Dust buildup near furnace vents: Air filters should be changed every three to six months and cleaned more frequently.
- Rising energy bills: Consider a furnace performance test if your heating costs keep going up.
If your furnace still isn’t working as it should after a tune-up, we’ll determine whether a repair or replacement is the next step.
What To Expect During a Maintenance Appointment
Our furnace tune-ups cover the care and maintenance of your unit from top to bottom. Michigan customers can expect a thorough inspection, cleaning, and gas pressure evaluation. During a tune-up, we’ll also check your furnace’s electrical connections, thermostat, filtration system, and more.
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up With Vredevoogd Today
Your furnace is a valuable investment, and the best way to protect it is through annual preventative maintenance. For over 60 years, Vredevoogd has helped Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Lansing residents stay comfortable year-round with same-day and 24/7 emergency furnace services.
As one of West and Mid Michigan’s top-rated HVAC providers, we offer peace of mind to our valued customers. Our licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians strive to deliver the best care and ensure you will have reliable, efficient heating.
If your West or Mid Michigan home is due for a furnace tune-up, schedule a maintenance service with a Vredevoogd pro now.
