Annual furnace maintenance is a must for homeowners
Now is the time to schedule your annual furnace maintenance.
ABC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a family-owned business that has been serving homeowners for more than 65 years, says it is important to have your furnace inspected and serviced annually to keep it in good running condition before the cold weather hits. This will prolong the life of the system, save energy and decrease health risks, the company says.
Your heating and cooling system is a mechanical system with moving parts and pieces that need to be cleaned, inspected and adjusted. Up to 90 percent of furnace problems are the result of people not having their equipment maintained.
An inspection can detect common furnace problems such as a dirty or clogged air filter, which reduces airflow and makes a furnace work harder to circulate air throughout your home. This situation eventually may damage the limit switch, which controls the fan. Normal wear-and-tear can also cause airflow problems, heat control-related problems or even overheating.
Other problems that may be uncovered during an inspection are a faulty ignition switch or pilot light. Thermocouple problems, drafts or clogs in the appliance all can result in an unlit pilot light, while a faulty thermostat can lead to problems with the fan or comfort levels.
Blower issues may indicate a problem with the limit switch and it may need to be replaced. And if a furnace rumbles, squeaks or rattles, it may indicate a mechanical problem, airflow reductions or a clogged burner.
If you choose to forgo annual maintenance, your furnace runs a higher chance of breaking down, and little problems can become bigger and more expensive ones. The air in your home could become unsafe, your heating bills will likely be higher and the life of your furnace will be reduced, ABC experts say.
Caring for your furnace will help prevent a breakdown during the cold winter months. However, if you do have a furnace emergency, ABC will come to your rescue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, said Mike Then, the company's marketing manager.
While October is prime time for maintenance on your furnace, it's also important to remember to have your air conditioning inspected in early spring because air is always flowing through your equipment.
Right now is also a great time of year to purchase new equipment. ABC offers the Carrier brand of equipment and is a national President's Award-winner as a Carrier dealership.
Manufacturers offer their largest discounts at this time, which is an opportunity for customers to save some money. Also, there are often rebates available from utility providers, as well.
The company's technicians are certified professionals that receive continuous training on a weekly and monthly basis on all brands and models. ABC technicians arrive in a fully stocked truck ready to perform work the same day. All work is guaranteed, and techs make sure customers are 100-percent satisfied, Then said.
The company does a drug screen and background check on every employee to ensure the highest standards are met.
ABC is known for providing a high level of service and taking care of the customer whether same-day service or next-day installation of new heating and air equipment, or working through the middle of the night to stop a flooding basement situation. Customers can count on ABC to be there when needed.
“Participating in charitable and community events that benefit the areas we serve is a priority for the company,” Then said. The company partners with park districts to sponsor movies in the park, National Night Out, picnics and Halloween events. It also supports youth baseball programs.
In March, the company hosted a food drive that contributed more than 2,500 pounds of nonperishable food items. This month the company supports breast cancer awareness with technicians and office staff wearing pink hats and clothing. It is also offering an email series to educate the public about what they can do to support the cause, and the company is making financial contributions to various breast cancer charities recommended by employees.
For more information, call (877) 503-7070 or visit www.4abc.com.