Reasons Not to Skip Annual Heating Maintenance This Fall
Only the luckiest (or newest) homeowners haven’t experienced a full-blown heating emergency. Sometimes, a strange smell comes from the vents. Other times, it’s a screeching or clanging sound. Sometimes, there’s no sound or smell to accompany the emergency; the heater stops working. When this happens, most homeowners think of one thing immediately: how much will a heater replacement cost? Quickly following this thought is another: why did I skip heater maintenance this year!?
It’s easy to forget about annual heating system maintenance, but it pays to remember it. Because the benefits of regular heater maintenance are no joke, read on to learn how heater maintenance helps homeowners avoid these types of HVAC emergencies.
Consistent Energy Efficiency
Aside from ensuring before installation that the heater is the correct size for the house, regular heating maintenance performed by a professional is the best way to maintain an efficient heating system. Brand-new heating systems will be the most efficient. As the components wear down over time, efficiency will decrease. How much it decreases depends on regular maintenance.Without professional maintenance by a certified HVAC tech, homeowners can expect their HVAC systems to decrease noticeably in terms of efficiency. But with annual visits from a pro, usually during the fall before the heater gets put to hard use in the colder months, homeowners can rest easy knowing that they’ve done what it takes to maintain the system’s efficiency. Of course, staying on top of regular air filter changes also helps the system work as designed. This means replacing the air filters at least once every 90 days.
Increased Reliability
Another benefit of regular heating maintenance is increased reliability. A properly maintained system is less likely to surprise homeowners with an emergency breakdown or malfunction. This is because HVAC pros have a thorough checklist they go through when doing heater maintenance. They not only make sure everything’s running smoothly, but they also clean components and inspect them for damage or unexpected wear. The technician will also ensure that the thermostat is working correctly and that the heater is drawing the correct amount of power. The annual maintenance cost is extremely low compared to the heating repairs that can happen if fall heater maintenance is routinely skipped. Thus, fall heating system maintenance may help homeowners save money on repairs in the long term.
Increased Lifespan
The last benefit of heater maintenance—and perhaps the most important—is the system’s lifespan. When a heating system is consistently cared for by a professional HVAC technician, it will last much longer than an identical system with little or no care. Consistency is key here, though. Skipping a year here and there is asking for trouble. This is why HVAC professionals suggest doing maintenance in the fall before the heater is heavily used.
Like any other system that is properly maintained and cared for, a home’s heating system can last a very long time, so homeowners don’t have to worry about the cost of heater replacement!
About Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning
The professionals at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning have been serving Sun Prairie, WI, with pride since 1894! They are a highly rated and BBB-accredited business that offers fast and friendly service. Their technicians are background-checked, courteous, and professional. Contact them today for heater maintenance in Sun Prairie, WI!
