As the colder months approach, homeowners in St. Louis know that dependable heating is a must for comfort and safety. While St. Louis winters aren’t as brutal as in some regions, they are still cold enough to make a well-functioning furnace an essential part of every household. Regular furnace cleaning and maintenance are key to ensuring your heating system runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely all winter long. In this post, we’ll dive into why furnace cleaning is so essential for St. Louis winters and how it can benefit your home in multiple ways.
The Importance of Furnace Cleaning in Winter
When we think about furnace maintenance, we often consider repairs and replacements, but cleaning is just as crucial. Over time, dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate inside your furnace, reducing its efficiency, impacting air quality, and leading to potential breakdowns. Especially in the Midwest, where seasonal changes put a strain on HVAC systems, having a clean furnace can mean the difference between a warm winter and frequent, inconvenient breakdowns.
Regular furnace cleaning in St. Louis can significantly extend the life of your heating system, reduce energy costs, and provide peace of mind throughout the chilly winter months.
How Furnace Cleaning Enhances Efficiency
One of the primary reasons to invest in winter furnace maintenance is improved efficiency. A furnace that’s clogged with dust and debris has to work harder to heat your home, which not only increases your energy bills but also leads to more wear and tear on the system. When your furnace is clean, it can circulate warm air throughout your home more effectively, allowing you to enjoy a cozy, comfortable environment without paying extra on your heating bill.
Reduced Energy Costs
A clean furnace doesn’t just work better; it’s also more affordable to operate. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 30% on their energy bills simply by keeping their furnace in top condition. Winter furnace maintenance in St. Louis can prevent dust buildup that forces the furnace to use more energy to keep up with your thermostat settings. With energy costs on the rise, this savings can add up quickly over the course of the winter.
Preventing Breakdowns During the Coldest Months
There’s nothing worse than having your furnace break down in the middle of a frigid winter night. Regular furnace cleaning and maintenance can help you avoid these unexpected breakdowns by catching issues before they become severe. During a furnace cleaning service, a technician will inspect your system for any signs of wear, leaks, or damaged parts, ensuring that your heating system is in good working order before the coldest days hit.
Improved Reliability and Longevity
Like any other mechanical equipment, a furnace requires regular maintenance to last. Heating system service in Jefferson County and St. Louis ensures that every part of your system is functioning as it should, which can extend the lifespan of your furnace by several years. Without regular cleaning, parts wear down faster, forcing you to replace your furnace sooner than necessary.
Regular maintenance also reduces the frequency of repairs, saving you money over time. A proactive approach to furnace maintenance can spare you the inconvenience of emergency repair calls and provide the peace of mind that your furnace will be there for you when you need it most.
Boosting Indoor Air Quality
While most people think of furnaces in terms of heating, they also play a significant role in indoor air quality. Dust, pet dander, and other pollutants can accumulate in your furnace and then circulate throughout your home whenever you turn on the heat. By investing in furnace cleaning in St. Louis, you can ensure that your indoor air remains clean and free from contaminants.
Reducing Allergens and Irritants
Dust and other particles can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues, especially for those with sensitivities. If anyone in your household suffers from allergies or breathing difficulties, having a clean furnace can make a big difference. Regular maintenance includes changing or cleaning the furnace filter, which can trap allergens before they enter your living spaces.
Decreasing the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Furnaces that are not regularly maintained may develop cracks in the heat exchanger, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. This colorless, odorless gas can be extremely harmful, even deadly, when inhaled in high quantities. Winter furnace maintenance in St. Louis typically includes a thorough inspection for any leaks or malfunctions, providing a critical layer of protection for your home.
Ensuring Safe Operation in Cold Weather
Safety should always be a top priority, especially when dealing with heating systems that involve gas, electrical components, or other potential hazards. Neglecting regular furnace cleaning and maintenance can lead to safety risks like gas leaks, electrical malfunctions, and even fires. A well-maintained furnace operates more safely, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Preventing Fire Hazards
A furnace clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris can pose a fire hazard. When the furnace works harder to push air through clogged filters or dusty parts, it can overheat, creating a serious safety concern. Regular cleaning ensures that your furnace is free from blockages that could increase the risk of fire.
Avoiding Dangerous Leaks and Malfunctions
With regular heating system service in Jefferson County and St. Louis, technicians can identify any potential safety issues before they turn into actual problems. Regular inspections include checks for gas leaks, ensuring that your home remains protected from potentially harmful fumes.
The Financial Benefits of Routine Furnace Cleaning
While many homeowners put off furnace cleaning and maintenance to save money, skipping these services can lead to costly repairs or replacements down the line. Furnace cleaning is an investment that pays for itself by keeping your system running efficiently and avoiding major expenses.
Lower Repair Costs
A dirty furnace is far more likely to suffer from breakdowns, leading to emergency repair calls that can be both inconvenient and expensive. Routine maintenance keeps everything running smoothly, so you’re less likely to encounter costly repairs.
Increasing the Resale Value of Your Home
If you’re considering selling your home in the future, a well-maintained furnace can be a valuable selling point. Buyers are more inclined to purchase a property with a reliable, well-functioning heating system. Winter furnace maintenance in St. Louis can increase your home’s resale value by assuring prospective buyers that the heating system is in excellent condition.
When to Schedule Furnace Cleaning in St. Louis
Ideally, you should schedule furnace cleaning and maintenance before the start of the winter season. The best time is during the fall, so your system is ready to go when temperatures begin to drop. If you missed the fall, it’s not too late – even mid-winter maintenance can improve your furnace’s performance and reliability.
How Often Should You Clean Your Furnace?
Most HVAC professionals recommend cleaning your furnace at least once a year. However, if you have pets, allergies, or live in a particularly dusty area, you might benefit from more frequent cleaning. Additionally, any time you notice unusual smells, reduced airflow, or other issues, it’s wise to schedule a service appointment.
Choosing a Reliable Heating System Service in Jefferson County
Finding the right professional to handle your furnace cleaning is crucial. Look for licensed and insured technicians with positive reviews and a reputation for high-quality service. When you’re in the St. Louis or Jefferson County area, consider choosing a service provider who specializes in heating system service in Jefferson County, as they’ll be familiar with the unique challenges posed by local weather and climate conditions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Furnace Cleaning Service
- Are your technicians certified and licensed?
- Do you offer guarantees or warranties on your work?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide references or customer testimonials?
By asking these questions, you can ensure that your furnace will be cleaned and maintained by a trustworthy and skilled professional.
Keep Your Furnace Clean for a Worry-Free Winter
Regular furnace cleaning in St. Louis is essential for keeping your heating system running efficiently, safely, and reliably throughout the winter. From boosting efficiency and lowering energy costs to improving indoor air quality and preventing breakdowns, the benefits of winter furnace maintenance are substantial. Investing in annual maintenance will pay off in comfort, safety, and financial savings over time.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule your furnace cleaning today to ensure a warm, safe, and comfortable winter in St. Louis.
Need HVAC Services in St. Louis, MO?
Keep cool or stay warm with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. Since 1999, Ashley Brothers have been providing residential and commercial services to the St. Louis and Jefferson County area. We specialize in the installation of new equipment, heating and cooling repair, and furnace cleaning. Craftsmanship is important, equipment choice is too. We work with only top brands like Amana, Goodman, York, and McLain. It is understandable that replacing or upgrading your equipment can be daunting. Ask us about financing. We repair all heating and cooling equipment brands. Heating and cooling repairs can happen at random, take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service. Call us today about your concerns.
5 Tips to Prepare Your Furnace for Summertime
As the warm weather approaches, it’s time to start thinking about shutting down your furnace and preparing it for the summer. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the lifespan of your furnace, but it will also help save you money on energy bills. Below are 5 tips that you can follow to prepare your HVAC services for summertime.
1. Change the furnace filter
Changing the furnace filter is one of the easiest and most important things to do when preparing your furnace for the summer. A dirty or clogged filter can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, which can result in increased energy consumption. It can also lead to a decrease in indoor air quality and may exacerbate allergies. In general, it’s recommended to change the filter at least once every three months. However, if you live in a dusty area or have pets, you should change the filter more frequently.
2. Clean the ductwork
Over time, the ductwork in your home can accumulate dust, mold, and other debris. This can clog the ducts and prevent proper airflow through your home. To avoid this, it’s recommended to have your ductwork professionally cleaned at least once every three to five years. This can help improve indoor air quality and prevent the buildup of harmful allergens.
3. Turn off the furnace
Once the weather starts to warm up, you can turn off your furnace for the season. Before doing this, however, it’s important to make sure that the furnace is completely turned off and that the pilot light is extinguished. You should also turn off the gas and electricity supply to the furnace. This will help you avoid any potential safety hazards and prevent unnecessary energy usage.
4. Schedule a professional inspection
Having a professional inspect your furnace is an important step in preparing it for the summer. A trained technician can perform a thorough inspection of your furnace and identify any potential issues that need to be addressed. They can also identify any worn or damaged parts that may need to be replaced. This can help avoid costly heating repairs down the line and ensure that your furnace is running efficiently.
5. Cover the furnace
Once your furnace has been turned off and inspected, you can cover it to protect it from dust, moisture, and other debris. This will help prevent rust from forming on the furnace and help prolong its lifespan. If you live in an area with high humidity, it’s recommended to invest in a dehumidifier to help prevent moisture buildup.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your furnace for the summer doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and save money on energy bills. If you’re unsure about what steps to take or would like to have a professional inspect your furnace, give us a call! Our team of trained technicians can help ensure that your furnace is ready for the summer season. Contact us today to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment!
Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Furnace
Your furnace is one of the most important parts of your home HVAC system. It keeps you warm in the winter and cools in the summer, but it also needs some care and maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Spring is a great time to give your furnace a little love and attention. Keep reading to learn some maintenance tips that will help you keep your heating and cooling services running smoothly and safely all year long.
Clean The Furnace
Spring is the best time of year to perform a full cleaning and maintenance routine for your furnace. This will help your furnace run efficiently, keep your home warmer, and prevent problems in the future. A good furnace cleaner will remove dust, debris, and sludge from your furnace’s internal components. Keeping your furnace clean and free of blockages will ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible, so you won’t have to worry about paying more for fuel than necessary or costly heating repairs.
Change The Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the most important preventive maintenance tasks you can do for your furnace. Not only does it improve your indoor air quality, but it can also save you money by improving the efficiency of your AC and furnace. Typically, the air filter is located between the ductwork that brings air in from the house and the internal blower unit of your furnace or air handler (it can be found inside these units too). In some cases it can be difficult to find, because of the location of the system. If you do not know where your current filter is, locate it by looking in the return air duct near the furnace or indoor unit (it can be found in basements, crawl spaces, garages and attics). There may be an access door on this duct that will allow you to remove the existing filter and replace it with a new one.
Check The Thermostat
Your thermostat is one of the most critical parts of your heating and cooling system. It should deliver trouble-free service over many years. However, like any manufactured product, it can fail and leave you without heat or cool air. Fortunately, you can test your thermostat to see if it’s working properly. To do this, find the two wires that connect it to your furnace and undo their terminals with a screwdriver. Once you’ve removed them, twist each wire together and see if the blower starts when you turn your home’s circuit breaker back on. If your thermostat doesn’t start the blower after you do this, it might be faulty and needs to be replaced. If your furnace has a manual pilot light, make sure it is lit by lighting a match over the pilot orifice while holding down the reset button for 60 seconds. If this doesn’t work, contact us for assistance.
Furnace installation is a complicated process that requires qualified HVAC professionals to complete. If you attempt to do it yourself, you could end up causing more damage and paying for a major repair down the road. A professional is a person who performs a specific activity for gain or compensation as a permanent career. These include doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects and commissioned military officers.
They Have The Right Tools
Furnace installation is a complicated process that requires specialized tools. HVAC work often involves sheet metal and ductwork, which can be dangerous for do-it-yourselfers. A furnace must be properly hooked up to the main electrical system of the home. If you don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a chance that you could cut wires and get electrocuted.
Most heating pros have the proper equipment and know how to install a furnace correctly. They also back up their work and can offer a labor warranty. Whether you’re installing a new furnace at your own house or your neighbor’s, it’s always better to leave the job to professionals.
You’ll save money in the long run, too. A professional will help you choose a furnace that’s the right size for your home, so it doesn’t waste energy and is more efficient. They’ll also perform regular maintenance checks and repairs to ensure that your new system keeps working as it should.
They Know What To Look For
If you’re looking for a professional to work on your furnace, it’s a good idea to take the time to do some research. The right HVAC pros will be able to quickly identify any problems with your system that may require immediate attention and avoid the need for more serious repairs later on.
Whether your furnace isn’t producing heat or cycling on and off frequently, check the thermostat first. Make sure it’s properly set to the correct temperature and that there’s power to it. If your thermostat is showing a low battery symbol, install new batteries immediately. A faulty thermostat is one of the most common causes of trouble with your furnace.
They Have The Experience
When you hire a professional to work on your furnace, they have the right knowledge and experience to make sure the job is done correctly. This is why they’re the best choice for this type of job. If you decide to do the job yourself, you may not know what wires to cut without getting electrocuted or how to connect ductwork to ensure that your furnace doesn’t leak dangerous gases like carbon monoxide.
Another important thing to consider is that they have liability insurance which will protect you in case anything goes wrong while they are working on your system. They also have the skills and tools to get the job done in a timely manner so that you don’t have to wait too long.
Having your furnace serviced on a regular basis will help you avoid having to worry about it not heating up during cold winter nights. It will also save you a lot of money on energy bills since your system will be running more efficiently.
They Are Just Safer
Whether you’re a new homeowner or just upgrading your old system, a professional can help you save money on furnace repair services in the long run. That’s because they know how to choose the right furnace for your home and can make recommendations that boost its energy efficiency.
They’ll also ensure that your furnace is installed correctly to keep you and your family safe. Then, they’ll perform annual inspections to identify any potential issues so you can make repairs before they get worse. Performing maintenance services on time can help you increase the lifespan of your heating system by ensuring it’s running at peak performance.
Finally, they’re covered by insurance, so they won’t be held responsible if something goes wrong while they’re working on your system. This can help you avoid costly compensation for injuries and damages. That’s why it’s always a wise idea to hire a professional HVAC company to install your furnace at home!
