Don’t Neglect Fall HVAC Maintenance, Expert Says

Brrr, did you feel that sudden drop in temperature? Fall is coming, and for most homeowners that means it will soon be time to fire up their furnace for the first time in months. It can be tempting to forgo recommended annual maintenance on HVAC systems, particularly if budgets are tight, but neglecting those annual “tuneups” can also end up costing you more money in the long run, according to local home heating expert Carl Volkman.

Volkman, who owns Carl Volkman and Sons HVAC in Hellertown, says it pays to maintain your furnace in the following ways:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency
   Regular maintenance ensures that your furnace runs at peak efficiency. Clean filters, lubricated parts and calibrated controls mean your system uses less energy to heat your home, lowering your utility bills.
2. Prevents Costly Repairs
   Tune-ups catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems. For example, replacing a worn belt or cleaning a dirty burner is much cheaper than fixing a major breakdown.
3. Extends Furnace Lifespan
   Studies show that well-maintained furnaces last longer than systems that have been neglected. By reducing wear and tear, you could delay the need for a costly replacement by years.
4. Maintains Warranty Coverage
   Many furnace warranties require regular maintenance. Skipping tune-ups could void your warranty, leaving you to pay for costly out-of-pocket repairs.
5. Improved Air Quality
   Cleaning and replacing filters during a tune-up helps your furnace circulate cleaner air, which can reduce health-related costs from allergies or respiratory issues.
6. Consistent Heating
   A tuned-up furnace heats your home more evenly, so you’re less likely to crank up the thermostat and waste energy.

A furnace tune-up is a small investment that can lead to significant savings on energy bills, repair costs and even health expenses, so when you begin to notice that summer is fading into fall, Volkman says you shouldn’t delay scheduling your maintenance appointment. Your HVAC system–and your wallet–will thank you.

To easily schedule maintenance with Carl Volkman and Sons HVAC, visit CarlVolkmanSons.com or call 484-704-2275.