Annual Furnace Maintenance in Des Moines: Why It Matters

Annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make for comfort, safety, and efficiency. A common question our service techs and sales team hear often is: How important is annual furnace maintenance?

Our simple answer: extremely important.

When you buy a new car, do you run it 100,000 miles without getting the oil changed? Not a chance. It’s the same idea with your home’s heating system. Annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines keeps your furnace working efficiently and reduces the chances of an unexpected midwinter breakdown.

Benefits of Annual Furnace Maintenance in Des Moines

One of the main concerns for your furnace is dirt. Homeowners in Iowa typically use their furnace for six months of the year. For the other six months when the furnace isn’t being used, dirt and dust accumulates in the machine, which prevents the furnace from working at peak performance.

Quick fact: By not properly cleaning your furnace every year, your HVAC system can lose up to 40% of efficiency.

Routine annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines helps extend the life of your furnace and also ensures it’s working safely. Professional service performed by a trained technician should include:

• Full cleaning of HVAC system

• Inspection of safety switches and devices

• Check of heat exchanger for cracks or damage

• Filter replacement

• Calibration of temperature controls and economizer controls

• Adjustment of fans and belts

• Inspections of all electrical components

DIY? Furnace Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

While most furnace maintenance needs to be performed by a professional, there are a few things homeowners can do to keep their system working efficiently throughout fall and winter.

• Change your furnace filter regularly. Standard 1-inch disposable filters should be changed monthly while high-efficiency air cleaners can be changed less often.

• Don’t overwork your system. The perfect situation in the winter is 72 degrees and 35% relative humidity. If you’re turning your furnace up, that means your humidity could be too low. Using a humidifier to raise the humidity to 35% allows you to be comfortable around 72 degrees.

• Check the batteries in your thermostat. If you haven’t had annual furnace maintenance completed on your HVAC system in the last two to three years, there is a good chance the batteries need replacement.

Annual Furnace Maintenance Cost Factors in Des Moines

Several factors can impact the price of annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines, and understanding them helps homeowners know what they’re paying for:

• Service inclusions: Plans that include full system cleaning, safety inspections, filter replacement, and component testing will typically cost more than a basic checkup, but they also provide greater long-term protection.

• Priority service benefits: Many plans offer extras like priority scheduling during peak season or guaranteed response times in emergencies, which can increase value.

• Technician expertise: Maintenance performed by certified, highly trained HVAC technicians may cost slightly more, but ensures accuracy, safety, and better performance.

• Added perks: Some programs include waived diagnostic fees, discounts on repairs, or bundled AC maintenance, which can influence overall pricing.

• System age and condition: Older furnaces may require more detailed inspections and adjustments compared to newer systems, which can also affect cost.

At Bell Brothers, our primary objective is to help provide homeowners with the peace of mind that their HVAC systems are running at optimal safety and efficiency. We work closely with homeowners to understand their needs and challenges and help them choose an annual furnace maintenance plan in Des Moines that works best for them. Ask about our furnace installation services today.

Schedule Your Service Today with Bell Brothers in Des Moines

If you want to avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your heating system working at peak performance, scheduling annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines is the solution. Bell Brothers has been serving central Iowa homeowners since 1955 with expert HVAC care, trusted technicians, and customer-first service.

Contact us online today to schedule annual furnace maintenance in Des Moines and keep your home warm, safe, and efficient all winter long.