It’s a great question – one that our comfort specialists hear often. And by now, you probably know where we stand on the matter. Similar to routine car maintenance and your annual health exam, yearly heating system maintenance helps ensure that everything is running as it should, and helps identify problems before they become expensive emergency repairs. But that’s just for starters.
Read on to learn about the many benefits of annual heating system maintenance and what you can expect during your appointment.
Benefits of Annual Maintenance
Increased Safety. Safety should always be a top priority. Annual maintenance helps ensure that your system is operating as safely as possible. For example, if the furnace develops a crack in the heat exchanger, carbon monoxide gas can escape and poison the air you breathe. Additionally, an electric HVAC system can develop a short circuit, which is a serious fire hazard if ignored. By having your heating system evaluated by a licensed HVAC technician, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing your system is safe to use when you need it most.
Fewer System Breakdowns. Annual maintenance also provides the opportunity to identify and plan for repairs early, and in some cases, prevent them entirely. A licensed technician will be able to spot early signs of trouble before they escalate into large-scale repairs. This, in turn, helps save you money in the long run and prevent untimely system failure.
Increased Equipment Lifespan. There are no two ways about it – heating systems that receive regular maintenance last longer than those that don’t. An ignored furnace will have to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, putting more wear and tear on parts and components, reducing their lifespan.
Increased Energy Efficiency. Annual maintenance can improve your home’s efficiency and comfort. A neglected system slowly loses its ability to keep your home comfortable at the same level it once did. This reduced efficiency translates into higher utility bills as the unit struggles to keep up with your household’s heating needs.
Maintain Manufacturer’s Warranty. Did you know that your system’s warranty may be void if you fail to have it regularly maintained by a licensed pro? Most heating system manufacturers require that a regular maintenance schedule is adhered to for the warranty to be eligible for coverage. Refer to your owner’s manual to find out what the maintenance requirements are.
What You Can Expect
While there are no guarantees in life, Eagle’s multi-point heating system inspection and tune-up is your best assurance of winter-long indoor comfort, convenience, and safety.
Here are just a few examples of what you can expect during an annual inspection:
- Check heat exchanger for cracks
- Inspect for natural gas leaks
- Test ignition system for safe and effective operation
- Test safety and control circuits
- Test exhaust system for proper venting
- Test thermostat for accuracy
- Clean or replace air filter
- Measure and adjust gas pressure for peak efficiency
- Provide fuel oil system efficiency test
- Lubricate moving parts
- Tighten and inspect all electrical wiring
Whether your goal is to save money, protect your home, improve efficiency, or prevent a mid-season breakdown, contact Eagle Service Company to schedule your yearly heating inspection and tune-up. Our expert technicians are trained to service all makes an models of heating systems, including yours.