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When Is Maintenance Required on a Furnace?

When Is Maintenance Required on a Furnace?

Published by Kats Heating & Cooling on August 28, 2025


If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think much about your furnace until it gets cold outside. However, it’s better to consider the health of your furnace before you need to rely on it to keep you and your loved ones safe and warm.

So, when is maintenance required on a furnace? The rule of thumb is that most furnaces should be professionally serviced once per year. Ideally, this service visit takes place in the fall before you turn your heat on for the season.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Skipping maintenance might not seem like a big deal. If you skip maintenance, however, the consequences can stack up fast. The most notable benefits associated with regular furnace maintenance include:

  • Fewer breakdowns: Preventive care means fewer emergency calls in the middle of winter.
  • Longer lifespan: A well-maintained furnace can last years longer than one that’s neglected.
  • Lower energy bills: Clean filters and tuned parts help your system run efficiently.
  • Warranty protection: Many manufacturers require annual maintenance to keep warranties valid.

In short, investing in maintenance saves you money, comfort, and stress.

Visit our Main Furnace Maintenance Page for an idea of what to expect when you schedule an appointment with Kats Heating & Cooling.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Maintenance Now

Now that you have a general idea of a good maintenance cadence, you might be wondering if there are circumstances that warrant an immediate maintenance visit. The answer is yes. Even if you’ve had your yearly tune-up, there are times your furnace might need attention sooner. Call a professional if you notice:

  • Uneven heating
  • Strange noises or smells
  • Rising energy bills
  • Frequent cycling (turning on and off)

These issues don’t always mean you’ll need costly repairs. These issues do mean your furnace deserves a closer look by a professional.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance with Kats Heating & Cooling

For more than 30 years, Kats Heating & Cooling has been helping families in Downers Grove and surrounding communities stay warm without breaking the bank. We pride ourselves on honest recommendations, affordable pricing, and dependable service. When you schedule furnace maintenance with us, you’ll get peace of mind knowing your system is being attended to by a family-owned company that cares about your comfort.

Ready to get your furnace checked? Contact Kats Heating & Cooling today to schedule a maintenance appointment.


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    These two techs are absolute heroes! They installed our AC in brutal, fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk heat, tackling a tricky coil setup and sheet metal work as pros. Their teamwork and skill were unreal, leaving us with a perfectly running system. The place was spotless when they finished—cleaner than when they started! Super professional, friendly, and took time to explain everything. These guys should get some well deserved recognition for their top-notch work! Highly recommend!
    Adam Z.
  • A Reasonable Price for Maintenance
    Eddie and Anthony were great! The charge for a furnace tuneup is very reasonable for their comprehensive tuneup. Eddie found that my burner was rusted and needed to be replaced. I’m grateful that he did an extensive tuneup and found issues that my previous technician did not find. I definitely will recommend Kats Heating and Cooling to any needing HVAC repairs or maintenance, they provide quality work and knowledgeable technicians.
    AJ
  • Furnace Service in a Blizzard
    Anthony came out on a Saturday in a blizzard and took his time to figure out why our furnace unit had not been working and not only fixed it but also fixed our other upstairs unit in the process from the original builder's lack of attention to detail. He was very friendly and personable. We will definitely be using Kats Heating and Cooling again and hopefully Anthony will be the one coming out in the future!!
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