Similar to how regular maintenance keeps your car running smoothly, your heater also requires an annual tune-up to ensure optimal performance. While skipping annual maintenance from time to time may seem harmless, neglecting your heater can have serious consequences. In this article, we'll cover the negative effects of skipping annual heater tune-ups.
Consequences of Skipping Annual Heater Maintenance
Parts failure and frequent repairs
By scheduling annual maintenance, your technician will be able to find any problems before they become worse. Lack of maintenance will increase the likelihood that components of your boiler, furnace, or heat pump stop working. This will lead to more frequent and more costly repairs.
To the right, you can see extremely dirty oil tank filters as a result of neglecting heater maintenance. During an oil heater tune-up, your technician will replace the filters, nozzle, and strainer, among other things. If you neglect to clean the filters and maintain the components of your heater, you can expect to face expensive repairs in the future.
Complete heater failure
When various heating components break down and are left unchecked, the entire home heating system can start to fail. When timely replacements and repairs are not performed, problems can build up and many other components can be negatively affected. While the typical heater can last anywhere between 15 years and 30 years, its lifespan will be greatly reduced by ongoing neglect in heater maintenance.
Increased heating costs
Failing to get an annual heater tune-up means that the components inside your HVAC system are not being properly cleaned and adjusted. Without check-ups, your system will have to work harder to meet your heating demands. In turn, your heater will use more energy and drive up your energy bills. So while skipping yearly maintenance may save you some money, you will likely end up spending more money in the long run.
Lower indoor air quality
Neglecting to clean your heater and replace the filter not only impacts the heater itself but also takes a toll on your home's indoor air quality. The filters in your HVAC system work to trap dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen, and VOCs to keep the air inside your home fresh and clean. Over time, however, these air filters become dirty and clogged and need to be cleaned/replaced. Without proper maintenance, this buildup can be re-released into the air where they will get circulated throughout the home. Lack of filter replacement may result in respiratory irritation, allergies, and many other health problems.
Decrease in overall comfort
A heater with damaged parts or dirty components will significantly compromise its ability to effectively heat a home. Lack of maintenance will result in overall reduced comfort and, again, will cause your heater to work harder than normal just to warm your home.
Voided warranty
Having a warranty on your home heater can be a lifesaver when it comes to repairs and unexpected breakdowns. These agreements are designed to alleviate the financial burden of costly repairs. However, it's important to note that the warranty will only be valid if you fulfill your end of the agreement. Many heater manufacturers specifically state in their warranties that routine, professional maintenance is required. Therefore, skipping yearly tune-ups can result in voided warranties and more costly repairs down the road.
In conclusion, skipping heater maintenance is not in the best interest of your family, your home, and your wallet. Without annual heater tune-ups, you may experience heater breakdowns, increased energy bills, reduced comfort, lower indoor air quality, and voided warranties. ECI strongly recommends scheduling a heater tune-up every year.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
