As long as my furnace provided heat, I paid very little attention to it.
- I should have kept up with filter changes and scheduling professional maintenance in the fall.
I neglected the heating system until it suddenly quit in the middle of the night. Since it was the end of January and the outdoor temperature was down to ten degrees, I had no alternative but to call for emergency repair. I was not only worried about my family’s comfort but the possibility of the water pipes freezing. It cost me a small fortune to get a licensed technician to come to the house at that time of night. When the technician took the system apart, he found a considerable accumulation of dust and other debris on the inner workings. He said that this grime had restricted air flow through the system causing it to overheat. After a very thorough inspection, he informed me that the heat exchanger was cracked. I assumed that he could simply replace the heat exchanger, clean the furnace and get the system working again. I learned that the cost of a new heat exchanger was more than the furnace was worth. Because I hadn’t kept up with seasonal upkeep by a professional, the manufacturer’s warranty was no longer valid. I ended up paying for a brand new furnace to be installed. After that horrible experience, I immediately signed up for a maintenance plan. I am now diligent about air filter changes and annual upkeep. I am determined to take very good care of the furnace and make sure it lasts for as long as possible.