The cold weather months are officially upon us. Tree leaves are changing color, the temperatures are becoming cooler, and daylight hours are becoming shorter. And before you know it, you’ll be relying on your heating system to keep your home toasty warm.
Before turning on your heater for the season, schedule an annual heating inspection to ensure that it will work reliably when you need it most. The best time to get your heating system checked is late fall and early winter, ideally before you turn it on for the first time in the season.
Here are six reasons to have this important service done each year.
1. Longer Equipment Lifespan
The longer you put off having an inspection, the more likely you’re going to have a breakdown. An ignored system works harder than it should to maintain a desired temperature. This excess stress causes components to wear out sooner than they should, reducing the lifespan of the system.
2. Fewer Repairs
During an inspection, a licensed and trained HVAC technician may uncover small problems that, if left unchecked, could turn into costly emergency repairs. Preventive maintenance helps guarantees that all the parts work together to heat your home safely and reliably for years to come.
3. Added Safety
When the heat exchanger in a furnace becomes cracked, gases like carbon monoxide can escape into your home, putting you and your loved ones at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition to an annual inspection, it’s wise to install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, including the basement.
4. Increased Efficiency
A heating system is at its most efficient when its parts are clean and in proper working order. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on moving parts, causing the system to work harder than necessary to maintain the desired level of comfort. This, in turn, reduces energy efficiency and increases heating costs.
5. Improved Air Quality
During an annual heating system inspection, the technician will clean or replace the air filter. A clean filter catches dust and debris before it has a chance to circulate through your home, improving your indoor air quality. However, this isn’t the only time your air filter should be cleaned or replaced; inspect and replace your filter every 8 to 10 weeks or as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Keep Your Warranty Valid
Some heating system manufacturers require a homeowner to keep up with regular maintenance in order to keep their warranty valid. Should something go wrong, the manufacturer may ask to see your maintenance records. And if you don’t have any, your warranty could be invalid, meaning you have to pay for repairs out of pocket even if it’s still within the warranty period.
No matter how old your heating system is, there are benefits to having it inspected annually by a trusted HVAC technician. Doing so will not only save you money, but it will keep your system working hard for years to come. If it’s been a year or longer since your system was last inspected, contact Optimum Air Co today.