In a perfect world, homeowners would be as dedicated to maintaining their furnaces as they are with their automobile care. When it comes to regular oil changes and tune-ups, most people wouldn’t dream of skipping because the consequences can be pretty dire — and almost always costly and inconvenient. Like who needs an expected auto repair bill or wants to break down in the middle of rush hour?

And yet, this careful, consistent attitude often flies out the window when it comes to a home’s HVAC system.

So, if you’re spending a couple of hundred bucks keeping up with your car’s scheduled warranty work but balk at maintaining one of the most vital systems in your home, here are just a few reasons to re-think HVAC maintenance:

Safety & functionality

Most homeowners just don’t realize how imperative maintaining their furnace is to the safety and health of their home and family. Your gas-fired furnace is a combustion device and, just like your car, needs regular inspection to make sure it fires properly and exhausts gases safely. Regular maintenance typically includes checking for gas leaks, changing air filters, checking electrical connections, inspecting heat exchangers for tiny holes and defects, and testing operating temperatures and pressures.

Left unchecked, faulty furnace combustion can be extremely dangerous, even deadly, if carbon monoxide (CO) builds up around the furnace or in your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible, and the CDC reports 20,000 Emergency Rooms visits and more than 400 deaths annually from carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S. And while a CO monitor is helpful, it is not a substitute for regular maintenance.

Greater comfort & efficiency

A well-maintained HVAC system will operate at peak performance, allowing the system to operate more efficiently — heating and cooling your home more comfortably and more consistently.

If neglected, your HVAC system works too hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, consuming extra gas and electric and resulting in high utility bills. It’s similar to how a clogged air filter or faulty electrical connections can affect your car’s gas mileage.

Reduced repair & extended life

Perhaps the most compelling argument for regular HVAC maintenance is avoiding unexpected repair bills and extending the life of the HVAC components. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC system by 5-7 years, with way fewer repairs along the way. And considering the cost of a new furnace and AC in our area runs $7,000-$15,000 – that’s money well-spent!

How much does maintenance cost? Many HVAC contractors offer a regular twice-yearly service plan for under $200 per year, whereas a typical repair bill can run $300-$900. Again, maintenance is a much better value – especially when you consider the peace of mind of a twice-yearly safety and performance inspection.

So, do you really need to maintain your home’s HVAC system? In the long run, you’ll be money ahead!