Why You Need Routine Maintenance of Your Heating System

All auto manufacturers suggest that you change the oil in your car and have it serviced at certain intervals. These recommendations are based on research and product development that show the benefits of regular maintenance. To keep your car running efficiently, you probably follow these directions. However, when it comes to your HVAC system, you might not be as keen on routine service. The majority of people assume that if their system turns on and delivers air, and there is no need to worry about it. Just like your car will operate on dirty oil and bad tires, your HVAC system can run with minor issues and malfunctions. Also, like your car, however, it will break down if the problems aren’t addressed.

Changing air filters regularly and clearing bushes away from outside units are part of routine tasks homeowners perform. Aside from this, many neglect the need for routine maintenance from a professional technician. Depending on where you live, the winter months can be harsh on your heating system. In some areas, below-freezing temperatures require that systems work overtime to maintain optimal household temperatures. Given the stresses placed on your system, your equipment must receive a tune-up annually.

HVAC manufacturers suggest that heating systems receive regular fall maintenance every year. Similar to vehicles, when homeowners neglect regular HVAC maintenance, they could open their equipment up to inefficiencies, premature equipment failure, or costly repairs and safety issues. Let’s take a look at the importance of routine maintenance of your heating system.

System Safety

The safety and security of your family are probably high on your priority list. As such, you want to ensure that your heating system is safely operating all winter long. Throughout normal use, several issues can develop inside of your equipment that could lead to safety concerns. If for no other reason, you should have routine maintenance done to ensure the safety of your home. Worn wiring connections, frayed wires, and cracks in the heat exchanger pose serious safety threats. Wiring problems could lead to fire hazards that threaten your home. A cracked heat exchanger could lead to carbon monoxide leaks that could pose serious health issues. Routine maintenance will allow a technician to inspect your equipment and correct any problems that pose potential safety risks.

Equipment Health and Lifespan

On average, your heating system should last around 20 years. However, many experts agree that regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your equipment by several years. Small mechanical issues like worn components, leaks, and cracks can all develop due to normal wear and tear. Over time things wear out. While these issues might not stop your equipment from functioning initially, they can place strain and stress on your equipment and impact the health of your system and its longevity.

If left unresolved, small HVAC system issues can eventually become large problems that could mean equipment failure and costly repairs. Before the winter takes a toll on your system, fall is the best time to get annual maintenance to address any problems and tune-up your equipment before the heating season. Resolving small problems and servicing your equipment will help prolong the life of your unit.

System Efficiency

Data suggests that your heating system could account for almost half of your annual winter energy bills. As a car with old oil and bad tires consumes more gas to operate, your heating system will consume more energy if any issues are slowing it down. Additionally, problems with dirty equipment and mechanical issues could cause poor airflow and inconsistent temperatures. Regular maintenance will include and tune-up and system cleaning to ensure that your equipment runs at peak efficiency.

During the winter, your heating system can face many challenges. To give your equipment the best shot at safely delivering warm, consistent air this winter, you’ll want to invest in regular annual maintenance.