How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

How often should you have your furnace serviced for a greater return on investment? This question often comes up when our experienced furnace technicians talk to customers in Montana. Most furnaces have a lifetime of 15-20 years, but will an annual service visit be enough?

Keep reading to find out more from Bozeman's furnace repair experts at Premier Systems. We share some professional advice on furnace maintenance, including how to prolong the lifespan of your Montana heating system.

Why Should You Invest in Regular Furnace Maintenance?

Like many residential and commercial appliances, furnaces require regular maintenance to ensure they function normally with minimal repairs. If you have a younger model, you may be able to wait slightly longer between maintenance appointments. However, scheduling more regular maintenance appointments pays off as the technicians clean and check the components for necessary repairs, extending the heater’s useful life.

Here are our top five reasons to invest in routine furnace maintenance appointments: 

• Lengthen useful life: Regularly maintaining a furnace extends its capacity to last for its full 15 to 20-year useful life. Well-maintained furnaces should outlast the minimum life expectancy, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long run. 
• Lower energy bills: Well-maintained furnaces are also more energy efficient. Wear and tear from constant use or lack of maintenance will mean insufficient lubrication. Unfortunately, that also means that small, unseen repairs could waste significant energy as the heater warms the home.
• Save money: Not only can regular cleaning and lubrication prevent the failure of certain components, but they can also help HVAC technicians catch a small repair before it becomes an expensive replacement.
• Enjoy better air quality and flow: Dust and allergens accumulate quickly within a furnace or ductwork and circulate through your temperature control system. These blockages reduce airflow, put extra strain on your system, and may lead to carbon monoxide leaks, a poisonous gas that may cause serious health issues for those who breathe it in.
• Uphold warranty terms: Furnace warranties will not replace a furnace if the owner has not maintained it properly. If your furnace malfunctions within your warranty's time limit, you need proof of routine maintenance for a chance at a free replacement or repair.

How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced If It Is In Good Shape?

Experts like Premier Systems typically recommend scheduling annual furnace maintenance. The best time of year is during the warmer months when you have turned off your furnace. Schedule a visit about a month or a few weeks before you plan to start using your heating system for the winter.

However, certain factors may affect how often you call for furnace servicing. For example, some people with newer furnaces may choose to invest in maintenance every other year, trusting that their furnace is less likely to fail. If it is an older model or one that frequently needs repairs, it is best to schedule an appointment every six months at a minimum.

Monitor your furnace and speak to local professionals about what they recommend. However, even if you have a younger furnace model, be sure to invest in annual heater maintenance appointments so that you can catch those potentially dangerous problems early.

How Much Does Annual Furnace Maintenance Cost?

The cost of an annual furnace inspection depends on the state of your furnace and the model. For example, electric and gas furnaces require different amounts of maintenance due to their power source and the likelihood of failure. If your furnace requires a tune-up with general maintenance, cleaning, or lubrication, the service may cost more.

How much will it cost for your particular furnace make, model, type, and age? Be sure to call a local professional like Premier Systems for an accurate estimate.

What Will Maintaining Your Furnace Involve?

How often should you have your furnace serviced to ensure proper maintenance? A thorough service before winter is usually sufficient. At that time, a routine furnace maintenance visit would likely include the following:

• Condensate Drain: We check and clean the condensate drain and remove clogs.
• Lubrication: We clean and lubricate mechanical components so that your machinery runs smoothly.
• Ductwork: We clean the ducts, plug leaks, and fix parts that may be causing energy inefficiencies.
• Furnace interior: We clean out the interior of your furnace, including the motor, blower wheel, coils, and more.
• Air filter: We replace the filters as part of the maintenance visit but recommend doing this more than once a year for optimum results.
• Electrical system: We inspect the electrical system, evaluating the voltage capacity of each part and checking for damages.
• Thermostat and switch: We will test the switch and thermostat (or the pilot light for a gas furnace).
• General repairs: We check all components for wear and tear, suggesting possible repairs if a part looks worn or replacements if it has broken. 

In the case that your maintenance check reveals the need for further furnace repairs, the technician will explain how urgent it is and why the system needs the repair. No reputable HVAC technicians will force a customer into a repair they don't need or pressure them into wasting money on unnecessary labor.

Tips for Preventive Maintenance Between Appointments

Don’t Forget the Air Filters

Though annual furnace maintenance appointments are essential for the vitality of your heater, we recommend some maintenance between checkups. For example, changing the air filter is a basic step in preventive maintenance. A clean air filter is also integral to optimizing the energy efficiency of your heating system while boosting indoor air quality.

• We recommend changing the air filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on the make and model of your furnace. 
• When you schedule a routine maintenance appointment, ask for the technician’s exact recommendations on the timing of air filter changes for your particular furnace. 

Check the Batteries

Do you have a battery-powered thermostat? Be sure to regularly check the batteries and change them as necessary. 

• For smart thermostats, ensure the Bluetooth feature works correctly by checking your app.

Dust Regularly

Are the exterior of your furnace and the vents free of dust and debris? Regular cleaning can ensure better airflow and indoor air quality. If you live in a particularly dusty area, cleaning will also lower the likelihood of clogs inside your furnace.

Take Note of Minor Issues

You never know when (what appears to be) a small issue could cause total furnace failure. Call for repairs as soon as you notice the following types of issues:

• Strange noises and smells
• Condensation
• Short cycling
• Low pressure or poor air flow from the vents

Reliable Furnace Maintenance Services in Bozeman, MT

Do you need help with a furnace or heating system in Bozeman, MT, or the surrounding areas? You can count on the Premier Systems team for expertise and plenty of experience. As a family-owned and operated business, we provide regular maintenance and repairs, as well as 24/7 emergency services.

When you hire our heating and air conditioning company, you can expect the following:

• A team with over 400 5-star reviews due to stellar customer service
• Fair pricing
• Dedication to the safety and comfort of our customers

We also believe in giving back to the community, choosing local causes we would like to donate to every month!



How often should you have your furnace serviced by Premier Systems? Call 406-300-4258 today to find out and schedule our high-quality routine maintenance appointments in and around Bozeman, MT. Alternatively, if you’re wondering about issues like why your furnace is so loud, check out our blog!