Living in the northeast means dealing with extremely cold weather for the majority of the year. I typically need to start up the furnace in late September or early October because of the chilly nights. I keep it running until mid to late April. The heating system needs to handle temperatures down to negative twenty five. The wear and tear on components can quickly lead to malfunctions, energy waste and higher running costs. A buildup of dust within the inner workings blocks airflow, causing the system to run longer and struggle to keep up with comfort demands. There’s the potential of contaminants getting spread throughout the home and resulting in health concerns. Without regular maintenance, the furnace will fail to meet expectations. It won’t last as long and will experience more repairs. Plus, proof of professional service is necessary to fulfill the stipulations of the manufacturer’s warranty. I have enrolled in a maintenance plan with a local HVAC contractor. The call reminded me it’s time to schedule service in the early fall. A NATE-certified technician comes to the house and completes thorough testing, troubleshooting, cleaning and tuning. Using diagnostic software, the technician verifies the proper performance of all aspects of the heating system, including the ductwork. The maintenance plan includes perks such as priority scheduling, no added fees for overtime service and discounts on parts and labor. It provides me with peace of mind. I know that the furnace is operating at peak efficiency, safety and reliability. I don’t need to worry about carbon monoxide leakage or being left without heat in the middle of a January blizzard.