Prepare the Home's Heating System for Fall and Winter with Early Maintenance
Summer is winding down, and in the Tri-Valley area, that can only mean one thing: cool days and chilly nights are just around the corner. And as homeowners switch from using their air conditioners to firing up their heaters, it's important not to underestimate the importance of seasonal maintenance.
Going into the fall and winter months with an inadequately maintained heating system is asking for trouble, be it in the form of higher utility bills, costly repairs, or even a total breakdown of the heating system. So to help homeowners avoid these woes, this article will explain the many benefits of heating maintenance, what it entails, and why it's better to tackle it sooner rather than later.
The Benefits of Heater Maintenance
Fall HVAC maintenance is advantageous for several reasons. Here are the major benefits homeowners can expect to see from routine maintenance:- Helps avoid costly repairs - A big part of professional heater maintenance is addressing minor issues and general wear & tear before they can develop into major problems that require expensive fixes.
- Prevents mid-season breakdowns - Nothing exposes a heating system's weaknesses like cold weather, which is why most heater breakdowns tend to occur in the middle of a frigid night. Maintenance can resolve these weaknesses ahead of time to keep the unit running smoothly all the way through winter.
- Extends the system's life - By mitigating wear and tear and resolving issues as they arise, routine maintenance can help the unit last as long as possible so homeowners won't needlessly shell out for a replacement.
- Improves energy efficiency - A well-maintained heating system will operate more efficiently, which leads to lower utility bills.
- Improves comfort - With greater efficiency comes better performance, which means the home can stay warm and cozy no matter how chilly it is outside.
- Improves safety - Maintenance is vital for minimizing the risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and fire hazards, especially when it comes to gas-burning furnaces or heaters.
What's Involved In Maintaining a Heater?
Professional heating maintenance involves a long checklist of tasks by a qualified technician. These tasks include:- Inspecting the entire system, from the unit itself to the air ducts and vents
- Cleaning the unit and its components, including gas burners, blower fans, and filters
- Checking electrical connections and tightening/replacing wires as needed
- Lubricating moving parts such as fan bearings
- Checking fan belts and other components for damage and wear
- Testing airflow, blower motor amperage, and safety devices for proper function
- Checking the thermostat and re-calibrating it if necessary
These are just a few things involved in heater maintenance, and they should always be performed by a trained professional. However, one vital maintenance task that homeowners can handle is changing the air filters every three months (or more often if their home has an abundance of pet hair, dander, or dust). This will ensure proper airflow, improve performance, and boost efficiency for heating and cooling systems.
Isn't It a Little Early To Worry About Heater Maintenance?
It may seem a little premature to think of heater maintenance at the tail end of summer, but that's the ideal time to get it done. Generally, servicing HVAC systems is best handled before the system starts seeing everyday use - whether it's a furnace or air conditioner. There are two main reasons for this.
First, any underlying issues with the system will only be made worse by increased usage, so it's always better to ensure the system is in good shape before using it. Getting a jump on maintenance means homeowners will be ready if an unexpected cold front sweeps in. Secondly, HVAC service companies will only get busier as the weather gets colder, so homeowners who wait too long to schedule maintenance may find it difficult to book a service appointment. Scheduling maintenance in the early fall will give homeowners a more convenient and timely slot on the calendar - before the rush begins!
About Barker Heating & Cooling
The award-winning Barker Heating & Cooling has proudly served Livermore and the Tri-Valley area since 1998. As a licensed, insured, and BBB A+ rated business, Barker always offers up-front pricing, a lifetime craftsmanship warranty, and emergency service with no after-hours fees. They also offer a highly beneficial membership maintenance plan loaded with perks, so don't hesitate to call Barker for furnace maintenance in Livermore, CA!
