How Often Should You Get Your Furnace Inspected in Royal Oak, Michigan?

If you live in Royal Oak, Michigan, your furnace isn’t optional. It’s not a “nice-to-have.” It’s the difference between being comfortable in January and waking up to a 58-degree house wondering what just broke.

Every fall, I hear the same questions from homeowners:

“How often do I really need to get my furnace inspected?”
“Is this just another upsell?”
“My furnace seems fine — do I really need someone to look at it?”
I say “get your furnace inspected in Royal Oak as soon as you can.”

Here’s the straight answer, no sugarcoating it:

You should have your furnace inspected once a year. Actually do it every year.

Not every five years. Not “when it breaks.” And not “when it starts making noises.” By the time you hear noises, you’re already late.

Let’s break down why yearly furnace inspections matter in Royal Oak specifically, what actually gets checked, and what happens when people skip them.

The Short Answer: Once a Year — Before Winter Hits

If you want the simplest rule to follow, here it is:

Get your furnace inspected once per year Royal Oak, ideally in early fall.

September or October is perfect in Royal Oak. The weather hasn’t turned brutal yet, HVAC companies aren’t buried in emergency calls, and problems can be fixed before your furnace has to work nonstop.

Waiting until winter is a mistake. Once the cold hits and everyone’s furnace starts failing at the same time, you’re dealing with:

• Longer wait times
• Higher emergency rates
• Limited parts availability
• Stress you didn’t need

Annual inspections are preventative. Emergency calls are reactive. Preventative is always cheaper.

Why Annual Furnace Inspections Matter in Royal Oak

Royal Oak winters are no joke. Between lake-effect cold, long stretches below freezing, and older housing stock, furnaces here get worked hard.

A furnace that runs fine in October can absolutely fail in January if it hasn’t been checked.

Here’s why annual inspections matter around here:

1. Royal Oak Has a Lot of Older Homes

Many homes in Royal Oak were built decades ago. That means:

• Older ductwork
• Older gas lines
• Furnaces that may be past their “expected lifespan”

Older systems need more attention, not less.

2. Furnaces Run Harder and Longer

In Michigan, furnaces don’t cycle on and off lightly. They run long hours for months. Small issues turn into big failures fast.

3. Carbon Monoxide Risk Is Real

Cracked heat exchangers, blocked flues, and bad burners aren’t theoretical problems. They happen every year. Annual inspections catch this stuff before it becomes dangerous.

Skipping inspections isn’t brave or cost-saving. It’s gambling.

What Actually Happens During a Furnace Inspection?

A lot of homeowners think a furnace inspection is just someone looking at it and saying, “Yep, looks good.”

That’s not how it should work.

A proper furnace inspection in Royal Oak should include:

• Checking the heat exchanger for cracks
• Inspecting burners and flame quality
• Testing safety controls and limit switches
• Checking gas pressure and connections
• Inspecting the blower motor and belt
• Measuring temperature rise
• Verifying proper airflow
• Checking the flue and venting
• Replacing or recommending a new filter
• Testing the thermostat
• Looking for early signs of failure

This isn’t busywork. These are the exact issues that cause mid-winter breakdowns.

“But My Furnace Is New” — Do I Still Need Inspections?

Yes. And honestly, this is where people mess up the most.

Even newer furnaces need annual inspections because:

• Manufacturer warranties often require maintenance
• Installation issues don’t always show up right away
• Sensors, igniters, and boards still fail
• Dirty filters still restrict airflow

A furnace doesn’t get a free pass just because it’s newer. Annual inspections protect your investment.

What Happens If You Skip Furnace Inspections?

Let’s talk real-world consequences, not scare tactics.

When people in Royal Oak skip furnace inspections, here’s what usually happens:

1. Emergency Breakdowns in January

This is the big one. Furnaces don’t fail in mild weather. They fail during cold snaps, late at night, or on weekends.

2. Higher Repair Costs

A loose wire or dirty sensor caught early is cheap.
That same issue ignored turns into a no-heat emergency.

3. Shortened Furnace Lifespan

Furnaces that aren’t maintained don’t last as long. Period. Skipping inspections can shave years off the system.

4. Safety Risks

Gas furnaces are safe when maintained. They’re not safe when neglected.

How Often If You Have an Older Furnace?

If your furnace is 15 years old or older, annual inspections are non-negotiable.

In some cases, twice-yearly checkups make sense — especially if:

• The furnace has had past repairs
• The system short-cycles
• You’ve had airflow or heating issues
• Parts are becoming harder to find

Older systems don’t fail gracefully. They work… until they don’t.

What about Filters? That’s Separate — and More Often

This trips people up.

Furnace inspections are once a year. Filters are not.

In Royal Oak, most homes should change furnace filters:

• Every 1–2 months for standard filters
• Every 2–3 months for higher-quality filters
• More often if you have pets or allergies

A clean filter doesn’t replace an inspection. It just prevents unnecessary strain.

Best Time of Year to Schedule a Furnace Inspection in Royal Oak

When is the best time? Its Early fall.

September and October are ideal because:

• HVAC companies aren’t slammed yet
• You’re not rushed
• Problems can be fixed before winter
• You’re not competing with emergency calls

If you wait until December, you’re already behind.

Is a Furnace Inspection Worth the Money?

Here’s the blunt truth:

A furnace inspection costs a fraction of:

• An emergency no-heat call
• A major repair
• A premature furnace replacement

Annual inspections are one of the cheapest ways to avoid expensive problems. People who skip them usually regret it — just later, when it’s colder and more expensive.

How Often Should You Inspect Your Furnace?

If you live in Royal Oak, Michigan, the answer is simple:

• Once per year
• Before winter
• Every year, no exceptions

It’s not overkill. It’s basic home maintenance in a cold-weather state.

Waiting until something breaks isn’t saving money — it’s rolling the dice.

Need a Furnace Inspection in Royal Oak?

If you’re not sure when your furnace was last inspected that’s your sign. Don’t wait for the first real cold snap or a no-heat emergency to force your hand.