When Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?
The summer is starting to wind down, and we know how quickly the cold weather is going to get here. This is why we want to start telling homeowners about the benefits of furnace service.
The best time of year to have your furnace serviced is the fall. Anytime between September and November is when we prefer to perform heating service, and we will tell you a bit more about why.
I’ve been servicing heating systems for over a decade, and can tell you how important it is to have yearly maintenance performed by a professional. It’s a major component of your home, keeping you warm, and also having a major impact on your energy bills. In this article I’ll tell you a little more about why you want your HVAC system serviced every year, and why the fall is the best time of year for heating service.
If you want to schedule your HVAC service now, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts will be able to tune-up your heating system, and make sure your home is ready for the cold weather!
Why Is The Fall The Best Time Of Year For Heating Service?
We think that the fall is the best time of year for heating service. Now that’s not to say you shouldn’t have your system serviced in the but there are a few reasons we like the fall a bit more.
First of all, we prefer to look at the system before you have to put it into regular use. If you have a heating system that uses oil or gas to create heat, we want to make sure it’s operating safely before you use it. Harmful gasses like carbon monoxide are produced when you burn fossil fuels like these, and can be VERY dangerous if they aren’t properly expelled from your home.
We also just want to make sure your system is working properly and efficiently, on top of safely! If your system is running less efficiently than it could be, you are probably paying too much money on your energy bills.
Another reason we like to schedule heating service during the fall is the flexibility of our schedule. During the winter months, we have to deal with a lot more breakdowns and urgent matters. This gives us less time to be flexible for our customers unfortunately. Scheduling in the fall allows you to pick a time slot that works better for you and your schedule!
How Often Should You Have Your Heating System Serviced?
We recommend that you have your heating system serviced at least once a year. Regular service helps you get the most out of your system, and gets ahead of problems before they escalate and become expensive.
If your furnace is 10+ years old, you may want to consider a service at the start of the season, and then one towards the end of the winter after it’s been running for months. This will make sure it’s operating properly and safely.
What Are The Benefits Of Routine Heater Maintenance?
Routine heater maintenance offers a few more benefits than simply having a working heater. When you schedule annual heating maintenance, you will also be doing a few other things:
Improved Energy Efficiency/Lower Energy Bills
One of the most immediate benefits of regular furnace maintenance is improved energy efficiency. When your furnace is clean and well-maintained, it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home, which means it uses less energy. This improved energy efficiency is going to lead to lower energy bills. If you are using less energy, you are spending less money!
During a maintenance visit, the technician will check and clean components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, and burners. They will also inspect the ductwork for leaks and ensure that the thermostat is calibrated correctly. All of these small tasks can add up, leading to better energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and a warmer space!
Ensured Safety
Unlike air conditioning, safety is a concern when it comes to your home’s heating system. If your furnace burns gas or oil, you want to make sure that it’s operating safely. Carbon monoxide is produced from a system that uses combustion to produce heat, and then expelled out of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations.
Routine maintenance includes a thorough inspection of your furnace’s components to ensure that everything is operating safely. The HVAC technician will check for issues like cracks in the heat exchanger, which could allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home. They will clean the components and make sure the pilot light is functioning properly. They will also inspect the flue and ventilation system to ensure that the gasses are being properly expelled outside.
Even with a routine service, you should still have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it’s impossible for you to detect on your own. A carbon monoxide detector will let you know if there is a problem.
Better Indoor Air Quality
As your furnace creates warm air, it then pumps it into your ductwork and throughout your home. If the furnace is dirty, the air in your home could be dirty as well. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate in your heating system, and if the system isn’t properly cleaned, these irritants can get into your air.
During a maintenance visit, the technician will clean or replace the air filters, which catch a lot of those airborne irritants that make their way into your HVAC system. A technician will also clean the furnace’s internal components, removing any buildup of soot or dirt that could affect air quality. This will help clean the air and make sure you and your family have a healthier living environment.
Longer System Lifespan
Your furnace should last for over a decade. Regular service will help you extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by fixing issues before they escalate, and making sure it’s in good working shape.
Just like taking your car to the mechanic for an oil change, your heating system needs regular check-ups to operate smoothly and efficiently. If you go years without service for your heating system, it could mean replacing your system years prematurely as well.
By addressing small issues during regular maintenance, you can prevent them from escalating into major problems that could cause your system to fail prematurely. This is going to help save money in 3 ways:
- Fewer repairs needed
- Lower energy bills
- Fewer heater replacements needed
Maintain Your Warranty
Many furnace manufacturers require regular professional maintenance as part of their warranty terms. If your furnace is still under warranty, you will likely need to have it serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year to keep it valid.
Scheduling Routine Furnace Maintenance In Abingdon, VA
If you live in Abingdon, VA, and the surrounding areas, give Complete Comfort a call for regular heating service. We’ll take a look at your heating system and make sure it’s in good working order. We will replace your filter, and make sure your home is ready for the cold weather! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or click here to contact us online!