Prepare the Home’s Heating System for Fall and Winter With Early Maintenance
Summer is drawing to a close, and before long, it will be time to stop using the AC and fire up the heater or furnace once again. And before that day comes, it’s best to make sure the heating system is ready to handle the load after several months of inactivity. The best way to do that is with an annual maintenance visit. But too many homeowners wait until autumn is nearly over to schedule maintenance - and end up paying the price for it.
Read on to learn all about the importance of fall heater maintenance, what it entails, and why it’s best to get a head start on it!
Why Heater Maintenance Is So Vital
Annual heater maintenance is hugely important for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it helps protect the health and safety of everyone in the home. A faulty, damaged, or poorly maintained gas furnace or heater can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. Over time, pollutants like mold, mildew, and dust can accumulate inside a neglected unit and contaminate the air.
Debris buildup inside the unit can also drastically reduce the unit’s efficiency and damage its internal components. Neglecting to perform annual maintenance will also mean that minor issues may go unchecked and develop into major problems requiring costly repairs or even a full replacement. Routine maintenance is simply essential for a safe, functional, and long-lasting heater.
Isn’t It a Little Early for Heater Maintenance?
It may seem a tad premature to schedule a heater tune-up before summer is officially over, but it’s the ideal time to do it. For one thing, if there’s a problem with the heater, it’s much better to deal with it while the weather’s still nice than to suffer through an unexpectedly frigid autumn night without heat. Cold fronts can swoop in overnight, so it’s best to be prepared!
Scheduling maintenance early also means getting a better, more convenient service window. Once fall is in full swing and cold weather becomes the norm, HVAC service companies tend to get busy with furnace repairs, replacements, and last-minute tune-ups. Homeowners who schedule maintenance early won’t be at the mercy of the service calendar or wait days for the next available time slot.
What’s Included In Standard Heater Maintenance?
Professional heater maintenance typically takes around one to two hours and involves a comprehensive task checklist. This list usually includes visually inspecting the unit and its components for issues or safety concerns, testing for carbon monoxide or gas leaks, checking safety devices and control circuits for proper function, and testing the ignition and exhaust systems for safety.
Other basic maintenance tasks include lubricating bearings and other moving parts, checking and tightening electrical connections, measuring amperage and airflow, cleaning components such as air filters, burners, and heat exchangers, and calibrating the thermostat. These vital tasks, performed regularly (preferably before the heater’s first use of the season), will ensure a safe and efficient heating system for years to come.
About 4 Seasons Heating & Cooling
4 Seasons Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated local business with a reputation for honesty, quality workmanship, and outstanding customer service. They offer unbeatable warranties, a comprehensive maintenance plan, and 24/7 emergency service. Give them a call today for expert heater maintenance in Reno, NV!