Professional furnace maintenance can seem like more of an optional service, something that you might get around to scheduling when you have the time and money. In fact, regular maintenance is a critical element of keeping your furnace running safely and efficiently.
Quick Takeaways
- Despite mild Jacksonville, Florida winters, dust, humidity, coastal conditions and regular wear and tear all put a strain on your HVAC equipment
- Schedule tune-ups in fall, before cold weather arrives
- Benefits of professional maintenance: more efficient operation, longer lifespan for system, avoid system breakdowns
- Dangers of avoiding maintenance: higher energy bills, poorer air quality, more complex/expensive repairs
Why Furnace Maintenance Matters in Jacksonville
The warm climate is one of the main reasons many of us live here, but as residents, we also know that even mild winters mean nights can get cool. When that happens, you need reliable heating.
Regular furnace maintenance is important because the humidity and coastal air in the Jacksonville area can be hard on HVAC equipment, corroding and wearing it down.
If you have a heat pump or a hybrid system, you should also schedule an inspection.
In humid climates such as Jacksonville’s, it’s particularly important to ensure good indoor air quality. Mold, mildew and even dust spores thrive in humidity, and poor indoor quality can exacerbate allergies and cause respiratory illnesses.
How Often Should You Schedule Furnace Maintenance?
As a general rule, you should schedule furnace maintenance annually, in the fall before the cold weather moves in.
If you have a furnace that’s more than 15 years old, you may want to have it serviced more frequently. This may also be the case if your system gets a lot of use, you have pets or someone in your household has allergies or asthma.
What Happens During a Furnace Tune-Up?
We’ll perform several important inspections as part of our routine furnace maintenance. That starts with a full overview of the heat exchanger, burners and ignition system.
We’ll clean the blower components and air filters, and we’ll also check your ductwork, airflow and the calibration of your thermostat. In addition, we’ll test the safety controls and assess any carbon monoxide risks.
In all, we will ensure that your furnace is operating reliably, safely and efficiently as we head into winter.
Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance
The peace of mind of knowing that your furnace is in good condition is only one of many benefits of annual furnace inspection. With regular inspection, your furnace will run more efficiently, keeping your energy bills lower.
Maintenance makes a breakdown during a cold snap much less likely and can substantially extend the lifespan of your furnace. In addition, it improves your indoor air quality and ensures the validity of your manufacturer’s warranty.
Risks of Skipping Furnace Maintenance
If you’re still unconvinced and wondering what will happen if you do skip maintenance, keep in mind that you’re more likely to experience a breakdown when it’s cold. And when you do, it’s also more likely that the repair will cost more.
Your air circulation will suffer, and you’re more likely to have poor indoor air quality. There are also potential safety hazards to consider, including gas leaks and carbon dioxide exposure.
Finally, a furnace won’t last as long without regular maintenance.
Signs Your Furnace Needs Service Sooner
There are a few situations in which you may need to schedule service right away rather than waiting for a maintenance visit. If you notice any of the following, get in touch with us.
- Strange noises or odors – Anything out of the ordinary, but a rotten egg, burning or chemical smell could be an emergency
- Uneven heating or weak airflow – Could be a problem with the ductwork or thermostat among other things
- Sudden spike in energy bills – Sometimes the first indication that your furnace is operating at lower efficiency than usual, indicating that something is wrong
- Frequent cycling on and off – Furnace is also usually failing to reach the set temperature during these short cycles
- Yellow pilot light instead of blue (gas furnace) – Another potential safety hazard
Why Work With One Hour Jacksonville for Furnace Maintenance?
There are many great reasons to choose us!
- Local experts – We understand Florida’s unique climate challenges.
- Qualified – Our HVAC technicians are licensed and certified.
- Emergency service available – We’re here 24/7 if you need us.
- Transparent pricing and maintenance plans – You’ll know what to expect up front.
- Backed by our guarantee – “Always On Time…Or You Don’t Pay a Dime®”
FAQs About Furnace Maintenance in Jacksonville
Do Florida furnaces need maintenance every year?
Yes, at minimum, we recommend annual maintenance. If your furnace is old or you have other concerns, such as air quality, you may want to schedule maintenance twice yearly.
What month is best for furnace tune-ups in Jacksonville?
September is the best month, before it gets cold. Although our temperatures remain relatively warm in October, our maintenance schedule will also start filling up, so be sure to make an appointment as soon as possible!
How long does a furnace maintenance visit take?
It will vary according to the type of system that you have and whether we need to perform repairs. For most systems, it will take one to two hours, but it could also take longer in some cases.
Can maintenance really extend my furnace’s life?
Yes, regular maintenance extends your furnace’s life because it allows us to catch small problems and replace worn-out parts before they cause further damage to your system. In addition, your furnace will run more efficiently, reducing wear and tear.
What’s the average cost of furnace maintenance in Jacksonville?
This varies based on several factors, but it will generally fall into a range of $100 – $200.
Jacksonville’s Trusted Furnace Tune-Up Experts
Don’t let Florida’s mild winters lull you into thinking that furnace tune-ups aren’t essential. Schedule your furnace maintenance in the fall, before we get our first cold snap!
You can count on us for all of your furnace maintenance needs in Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas. We’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime!
Contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Jacksonville to book your furnace maintenance today.