Regular maintenance and tune-ups for your heater are crucial for several reasons. By having a professional HVAC technician assess the safety and efficiency of your heater each year, you will: keep your home and family safe, maximize efficiency and reduce energy bills, maintain warranties on your heater, and prolong the lifespan of your heater. But when is the best time to have this maintenance performed? In this article, we will answer this, as well as other common questions.
When is the Best Time to Schedule Heater Maintenance?
We recommend that you get your heater tuned up before the first cold nights of fall and winter when you need to use your heater for the first time in the season. Having a professional technician inspect your system before you turn it on gives them a chance to find anything that’s broken before the situation gets worse.
At ECI, we even think it's best to start scheduling your heater tune-up towards the end of summer. During this transitional time, the schedule has more room for appointments as fewer emergency calls are coming in. This allows ample time for repairs or replacement before the cold weather arrives.
Plus, having your heater inspected before the coldest months arrive maximizes your energy savings. An unmaintained heater uses more energy and pushes your gas, oil, or electric bill higher.
All of that being said, there's no bad time for a heater checkup. Even if you don't get to it at the end of the summer or in the fall, you should not skip out on the maintenance.
Why is it Important to Get an Annual Heater Tune-Up?
First and foremost, annual maintenance helps ensure the safety of your home and family. Oil and gas furnaces or boilers burn fuel to produce heat, and any malfunction or issue in the system can lead to potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks. By having an annual tune-up, a qualified technician can thoroughly inspect your furnace, detect any potential safety risks, and address them promptly.
Another important reason for getting a heater tune-up is to maximize energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Over time, heaters can become less efficient due to wear and tear, dirt buildup, or faulty components. An unmaintained furnace, boiler, or heat pump consumes more energy to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in higher energy bills. By having a professional technician inspect and clean your heater regularly, you can ensure that it operates at its peak efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Moreover, a heater operating at peak efficiency will keep you and your family more comfortable.
Third, regular tune-ups can help extend the lifespan of your heater. Just like any other mechanical system, heaters require proper maintenance to remain in good working condition. By addressing any minor issues or wear and tear during a tune-up, you can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs down the line.
It's worth mentioning that even if you've recently installed a new heater, we still recommend annual maintenance. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a new system doesn't need tune-ups, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Regular maintenance not only validates your warranty but also ensures that your new heater operates efficiently and reliably.
How Long Does a Heater Tune-Up Take?
Our comprehensive heater tune-ups generally take about an hour to complete. This time may vary a little bit depending on the age and cleanliness of your heater.
What Can I Expect from a Heater Tune-Up?
Qualified HVAC technicians will run through a diagnostics and safety checklist covering everything from CO emissions, thermostats, fans, and leakages, as well as checking and lubricating any moving parts. A full inspection is performed to check all working parts of your heating system. Specific checklist items will vary between oil boilers, oil furnaces, gas boilers, gas furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless heat pumps.
What Can Homeowners Do to Protect Their Heaters?
Along with scheduling annual tune-ups, you can ensure your system is running as it should by:
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Replacing your standard filter every 60-90 days.
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Checking your thermostat and replacing its battery regularly.
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Making sure your air vents are open and clean.
How Long Can I Expect My Heater to Last?
Depending on use, with regular maintenance you can expect your furnace to run between 15 and 20 years. One of the main reasons for early replacement is poor maintenance. That being said, your heater may last well beyond the 15-20 year mark.
In conclusion, an annual heater tune-up is vital for the safety, energy efficiency, and longevity of your furnace. By investing in regular maintenance, you can rest assured that your heating system will perform optimally, keep your family safe and warm, and save you money on energy bills and potential repairs. Try to schedule your heater tune-up at the end of summer or in early fall so that it's ready to keep you warm when the cold weather arrives.
If you're interested in replacing your heater, contact us today!
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.
