The Importance of Heater Maintenance and How It Can Save Money
In many areas throughout the country, the home's heater only gets used for a small portion of the year. The rest of the year, it often becomes a forgotten ghost. Out of sight and out of mind.
But homeowners who don't maintain their system appropriately may be shocked to see their own breath when they try to turn the heater on for the season and it fails to warm the home. That can be avoided by having heater maintenance performed as recommended.
What Is Involved in Heater Maintenance?
Heater maintenance is a once or twice yearly HVAC service that is performed by a trained professional. Every company provides unique services during this maintenance visit, but they all revolve around similar system checks.
During a heater maintenance service, the HVAC technician checks over the entire HVAC system (both heater and air conditioner). They begin by using special tools to check both the inside and the outside of the unit for physical issues and then move on to performing system and safety checks to verify it is running appropriately.
When performed regularly, heater maintenance can extend the HVAC system's life, keep the home safe, and even save money by increasing energy efficiency and reducing the electric bill. Potential issues can also be caught before they have a chance to turn into larger, expensive ones.
Why Everyone Should Schedule Fall Heater Maintenance
Instead of waiting until it gets colder to find out that the heater isn't working properly, heater maintenance in the fall can reveal issues before the heater becomes essential.
During the spring and summer, the air conditioner gets all of the use, while the heater sits dormant and collects dust. Because this equates to nearly half of the year, sometimes more in Nevada, by the time the heater gets turned on, it can have a fairly large build-up of debris on it. Not only does that make the heater run far less efficiently, but it can also lower indoor air quality and become a fire hazard.
Heater maintenance can also save homeowners from dealing with the unpleasant smell that can result from turning on an old, poorly maintained heater.
How Homeowners Can Maintain the Heater Between Visits
Just because a home is professionally serviced doesn't mean that homeowners can slack on performing some of their own maintenance in-between visits.
Air filters play a major role in home heater maintenance. Knowing how to check them, what to look for, and how to change them is important information for all homeowners to have. If that isn't the easily accessible information, homeowners should ask an HVAC technician during the maintenance visit. They'll be able to share information and even potentially give a demonstration on how to change them.
The entire HVAC system should also be checked regularly for any signs of breakdown, corrosion, leaking fluids, and other issues. This can help catch major repairs early, which will save time, money, and frustration. Contact a professional if anything out of the ordinary is found during a home walkthrough.
About 4 Seasons Heating & Cooling
4 Seasons Heating & Cooling has been serving the Reno, Nevada area for more than a decade. With trusty technicians and unmatched service, the team is there for their customers all year round. They also offer a 10-year warranty on all of their new system installations, including parts and labor.