The proper running of your HVAC system is needed to keep you warm, but it is also essential to your health. The system will as part of its normal operation collect numerous pollutants, including dust and mold. These contaminants are unhealthy for anyone and are especially bad for those with allergies or other respiratory conditions. By keeping your system clean of pollutants, you can actually ensure a higher level of health.

An HVAC system that has not been properly maintained will work less efficiently. The harder that it has to work will in turn increase the cost of its operation. An important part of any maintenance plan is the regular replacement of the filter, which should be changed between one and three months of its operating time. This can be done by a professional or on your own, provided that you follow the correct steps.

Annual furnace maintenance will make the system last longer, perhaps by as much as 15 to 20 years. Additionally, regular maintenance helps reduce major failures of the system and their related costs. According to the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), regular HVAC maintenance can reduce expensive breakdowns by as much as 95 percent. You would probably not even consider driving your car for 30,000 miles without an oil change or any other servicing. You should use a similar philosophy regarding the maintenance of your heating and cooling system.

An annual inspection of your system by a certified HVAC technician will include a check of its wiring and fuel line, the cleaning of its major components, and the testing of the pilot light. Any anomalies that are discovered can immediately be corrected. Irregularities that are not corrected could be a hazard to the home and its occupants, which is why regular maintenance should be considered as a safety issue. Before you need it, schedule a servicing of your furnace.