Home / Blog / Air Conditioner Tips / Here’s Why You Should Not Delay Furnace and Heater Repair in Fairfax, VA
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Your furnace is one of the most useful household appliances. It helps maintain a warm and comfortable indoor environment for you and your family. However, the furnace can develop problems overtime, due to age of the system, increased use and wear and tear. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the importance of a functional furnace. They ignore furnace repair in Fairfax, VA to the point where the problem snowballs into a major concern, and their furnace stops working completely.

No heating issue is a minor problem. Unaddressed problems can have larger repercussions. If your furnace has developed a problem, have our contractor inspect and repair it as soon as possible.

Here Are Some Reasons Why Timely Furnace Repairs are Important.

Minor Issues Can Escalate Quickly

You’d be surprised how quickly a minor heating problem can escalate into a major problem. You may, for example, not consider a dirty filter a major problem. A clogged filter can affect airflow and make your furnace work harder and longer.

As a result, your electric bill may shoot up. Your furnace may struggle to heat every part of your home evenly, resulting in hot and cold spots, and may also make annoying noises.

If you do not change clogged filters in a timely manner, they can cause airflow problems. As a result, the heat exchanger can overheat and crack.

A cracked heat exchanger poses a serious safety threat. If you have a cracked heat exchanger, the gases being burned in your furnace can leak into your home. Exposure to these gases can cause illnesses or in extreme cases, death.

Major Repairs Cost More

Unaddressed minor problems can turn into major issues and you may have to spend a ton of money on expensive repairs. For example, it does not cost much to fix a clogged filter. However, if you procrastinate filter cleaning or replacement, your clogged filter can cause a whole host of problems that are too expensive to fix.

The longer you wait to fix a problem, the bigger your repair bill. To prevent major problems, call our HVAC pro as soon as you notice that something is amiss.

Timely repairs can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. When you fix problems in a timely manner, you can expect to spend considerably less than when you wait for a problem to worsen and then fix it.

Repairs Can Help You Reduce Your Energy Bill

In extreme cases, a malfunctioning furnace may stop heating at all or it may have to work harder and longer. The heating problem can affect the efficiency of your furnace and it may fail to heat evenly.

An overworked furnace consumes more electricity. If you are noticing a sudden and inexplicable rise in your energy bill, your furnace may be to blame. Timely repairs can help improve the efficiency of your furnace and save you money on your electricity bill.

Timely Repairs Can Increase Your Furnace’s Useful Life

Furnaces last 15-20 years on average. How long your furnace will last depends on two things – whether you follow its maintenance schedule and if you fix problems in a timely manner.

An unaddressed serious problem can lead to permanent damage and you may have to replace your furnace earlier than you expected. To keep your furnace in top shape, have our contractor fix problems as soon as they arise. Addressing heating problems in a timely manner is one of the most important things you could do to extend the lifespan of your furnace.

Delaying Furnace Repairs Can Result in Safety Risks

Delaying a furnace repair could prove to be a grave mistake. A faulty furnace poses a major safety risk. It can go up in flames and start a house fire or leak carbon monoxide – an odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe injury or even death when inhaled in large amounts.

Preventive Maintenance: A Panacea for Furnace Issues

Why wait for a furnace problem to arise and then address it when you can prevent it in the first place? Regular furnace maintenance addresses current problems and prevents potential issues before they occur. Periodic maintenance improves the reliability of a furnace and its efficiency.

Here are some ways to maintain your furnace.

  • Periodically change filters: Over time, furnace filters become clogged with dirt and debris. Clogged filters are the most common cause of airflow problems. They can cause your furnace to run longer. As a result, it can overheat and stop working. To prevent performance and other issues, replace furnace filters every 60-90 days.
  • Make sure all household vents are unblocked: Check your vents to make sure they’re working properly. Keep them free of obstructions such as furniture, toys, boxes, and other household items. Make sure your vents are open. Adjust them to allow air to flow freely.
  • Make sure your blower motor is functioning properly: The blower motor consists of various moving parts and can break down if not maintained properly. You know your blower motor is not functioning properly if you hear a shrill sound or a loud humming coming from your furnace. To prevent problems, regularly clean and oil the motor and fan. If your motor has shut down, consider resetting it and adjusting or replacing the drive belts.
  • Schedule professional maintenance: Have our technician maintain your furnace once a year (before winter). The objective of furnace tune-ups is to address current issues and prevent potential problems. The trained eye of a professional never misses a detail. Our contractor can diagnose and address the problems before they turn into a major concern.

At AVS Heating and Air Conditioning, we have decades of collective experience maintaining different types of heating systems. Whether your furnace is not working properly or not working at all, we can help. To learn more, call VA (703) 457-9028 OR MD (301) 686-7129.