Remember Fall Heating Maintenance This Winter
Every year during the fall, HVAC technicians work hard to perform professional heater maintenance on every heater they can. The lull in the season, when the weather is mild enough that they aren’t busy fixing ACs or heaters, gives them the opportunity to help homeowners prepare for the winter.
Unfortunately, some homeowners forget about heating maintenance during the fall, which can be detrimental. Luckily, heating maintenance is still helpful, even later in the season.
Benefits of Maintaining the Heater
There is a reason that HVAC companies constantly remind homeowners about seasonal maintenance. In fact, there are several reasons why HVAC and heating maintenance are recommended. Annual maintenance of every heating system offers several key benefits:
- Improved Efficiency: A well-maintained heater operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
- Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps identify and address minor issues before they become major problems, prolonging the life of the system.
- Enhanced Safety: Maintenance ensures the heater's safe operation, reducing the risk of hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks or overheating.
- Fewer Repairs: Preventive care minimizes the chances of unexpected problems during the peak heating season.
- Consistent Comfort: A properly maintained heater provides reliable and consistent warmth throughout the home.
For these reasons, homeowners consider heating maintenance money well spent. Most notice such a precipitous drop in bills that they actually save money by spending on maintenance upfront.
What to Remember for Heating Maintenance
Heating maintenance is a partnership between homeowners and heating professionals. The homeowner is responsible for changing air filters every season, which is the most important aspect of heating maintenance.
Without regular air filter changes, dirt and dust will foul the filters and restrict airflow. Dust will also start to be pulled into the blowers and coils, impede air circulation, and further reduce efficiency. If conditions worsen, the furnace may even overheat, so homeowners should remember to replace air filters every three months.
For professional heating maintenance, homeowners should partner with local experts. Professional heating maintenance performs steps like:
- Cleaning blowers and burners for good airflow
- Topping off refrigerants and cleaning coils for more efficient heat pumps
- Lubricating moving parts like bearings and motors
- Testing the thermostat
- Measuring delivery temperatures
- Verifying safety devices
By paying for a quick visit from a professional, homeowners can have a safe and comfortable home at a low price.
How Often Is Heater Maintenance Needed
Air filter replacement is recommended every three months. Some manufacturers say their products will last for six months, but since they are cheap, sticking to seasonal replacements isn’t a bad idea. If people in the home suffer from allergies or pet dander is a problem, more frequent changes may be necessary.
Professional service is recommended every year before startup. In the fall, heating maintenance specialists can quickly perform service without a major loss of heat production. Even if the owner forgot about maintenance, the benefits far outweigh the embarrassment of forgetting, so call professionals as soon as it is remembered.
About Hunter Service Group
Hunter Service Group offers a home care club to make home maintenance easier. Their teams can handle seasonal maintenance, emergency repairs, air filter sales, and replacement. Call today for heating maintenance in San Antonio, TX.