An annual seasonal tune-up is integral maintenance for your home’s heating system. Most experts recommend scheduling during the preseason, which in this case is early fall before you need to run your heat. A key benefit to that approach is that an HVAC technician is the first person to run your system every year. A technician will perform a multipoint inspection of all HVAC equipment you’ll use during the upcoming winter. During that inspection, a technician will clean all the equipment and correct any minor wear and tear that occurred last season.
Increased Safety
Safety is a top reason to schedule annual heating maintenance, and this is particularly true if you have a fuel-burning system. Gas and oil furnaces create carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic gases as a byproduct. If there are issues with the combustion chamber or heat exchanger, those gases can bleed into the home’s air supply. The other concern is the venting of those gases. Improper venting and backdraft scenarios can also result in toxic gases in your living spaces. During your tune-up, a technician will also test your CO detectors.
Warranty Requirements
If you have an active HVAC warranty, you likely must schedule seasonal tune-ups as a condition of coverage. Most HVAC warranties require regular maintenance per the manufacturer’s specifications for the model. After completing the service, the technician will provide you with an invoice. That document serves as proof of service should you ever need to make a claim. If you lack those documents, the manufacturer can deny your claim solely for that reason.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Dust and other grime build up on heating equipment throughout the winter. Carbon deposits on burners, for instance, can cause the system to burn fuel inefficiently. With electric furnaces, grime on the heating coil interferes with heating the surrounding air. Heat pumps experience buildup on evaporator coils. That makes the transfer of heat between the refrigerant and ambient air much less efficient. That inefficiency increases your household’s carbon footprint, which is bad for the environment. It also increases your heating costs, which is bad for your wallet.
Greater Comfort
Regular maintenance helps to ensure your comfort. Efficient systems provide greater warmth and can heat a home more quickly. The maintenance will extend to your blower and filter as well. A technician will ensure optimal airflow to avoid uneven heating. The service provider will also check your HVAC filter and make recommendations as needed.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Dirty furnaces can emit unpleasant smells. That’s notable during the winter when you likely have your home sealed tight. They can also release particulate matter into the air. Those particulates can trigger allergies and otherwise inflame your respiratory system.
Avoid Repairs
Many of the heating issues homeowners experience during the winter are avoidable. Correcting minor wear and tear goes a long way toward avoiding common problems later on. You won’t have to deal with being without your heat and having to schedule an emergency repair.
An experienced technician can also identify issues before they evolve into serious problems. In that case, a technician may recommend a preventative repair. Such repairs are generally much more affordable than those you have to schedule suddenly. They’re also more convenient. You have control of the situation and don’t need your heat while the technician performs the work.
Longer Equipment Lifespan
Seasonal maintenance can greatly extend the life of a heating system. A primary reason is that you’re correcting wear and tear every year and not letting it accumulate. When a furnace lasts 20 years or more, you can be rather confident it’s a well-maintained system.
Another consideration is how the system ages. Many homeowners have to replace heating systems that still run because they’re no longer efficient. Some systems can lose 1% or more of efficiency each year, and regular heating maintenance can help you avoid that loss.
Would You Like to Schedule a Heating Tune-Up in Fort Mill?
Arce Heating & AC is an HVAC company that’s served residents in Fort Mill, SC and throughout the greater Charlotte area since 2009. Our HVAC team installs, maintains, and repairs ductless mini-splits and ducted systems, including furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners. We are available 24/7 for emergency repairs and offer a maintenance plan that can help you save money. Our team installs, repairs, and cleans ductwork and performs air balancing services. We also conduct indoor air quality testing and specialize in smart thermostats, whole-home air scrubbers, and HVAC germicidal lights. Call today or contact us online to learn more about these products and services and to schedule an appointment.
