Whether we’re ready or not New Yorkers, winter is here. Temperatures have dropped dramatically and the nights are getting significantly colder. If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to inspect your furnace and heating system and make any necessary repairs to ensure your furnace is running in top-notch condition.
With the rising costs of utilities, few people know that you can cut over 20% from your heating bills this winter by simply cleaning or replacing your furnace filter and calling in a reputable, local New York heating professional for seasonal furnace maintenance. Let’s look at the facts: You are 70% more likely to need a complete heating system if you have not had consistent routine maintenance. The cost of a typical system replacement will run you between $2,500 and $4,500. However, by being diligent about having routine maintenance on your heating system you can potentially DOUBLE the life span of your furnace.
The first thing any accredited heating and furnace professional will recommend is that you inspect your furnace filter. As a good rule of thumb, furnace filters should be checked and if necessary replaced once a month especially during the standard heating/cooling seasons. By doing this, your heating system will work less hard, use less energy and last longer as a result.
Next, if you haven’t had your furnace maintained recently, it is highly recommended you bring in a heating professional. You should not attempt to do this on your own because the wrong move can not only damage your furnace, but be dangerous to you and your family. Unfortunately, many people take their furnace for granted and don’t call a furnace repairman until there is a problem. Having your heating system professionally serviced once a year will ensure that your furnace is operating more efficiently, which will save you money in the long run.
A furnace inspection from a heating professional will include cleaning the belts and blower/filter system, replacing the oil filter, examining the regulators and controls, looking at all gas connections for leaks, inspecting carbon monoxide levels, making sure your furnace ignites properly, and ensuring the flu is free of any soot or debris and is correctly vented.
The cost of a furnace inspection and cleaning by a reputable Albany, New York heating professional is minimal compared to what it could save you over the long haul. Not to mention most health risks associated with home air quality can be dramatically reduced or eliminated with proper system maintenance. Therefore don’t wait. Call in a heating and furnace professional and sleep comfortably knowing your home is safe, warm and economically sound.
