Professional heating system maintenance is recommended for many reasons. Its benefits go beyond having sufficient heat (although this is important, especially when it’s below freezing outside). At Hoover, we know Michigan winters can be unforgiving. Preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep your furnace running. Here are seven benefits of heating maintenance services to help you decide to schedule a furnace tune-up sooner rather than later.
1. It Saves Money on Repairs
Heating maintenance can avoid many common problems that homeowners face. Simply changing the filter can help your furnace work better and reduce wear and tear. When a professional cleans the unit, lubricates moving parts, and replaces small parts that wear out, they can protect the system from bigger issues. Therefore, you may not spend as much on fixing the ignition system, blower components, or heat exchanger. These components can be strained and damaged if your heater isn’t maintained.
2. Improved Energy Efficiency
A neglected heating system will work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Furnace maintenance focuses on key areas such as improving airflow, tightening loose connections, and testing system controls. Along with calibrating the thermostat, these ensure the system doesn’t work as hard to reach and maintain a set temperature. The more smoothly it runs, the less energy it consumes, so your monthly utility bills may cost less.
3. You’ll Be More Comfortable
Heating maintenance services can help improve system capacity. A technician can achieve this by cleaning dirt and grime from the burner assembly, flame sensor, and other components. They’ll also inspect, clean, and seal ductwork to increase airflow. Improved heating performance and even air distribution ensure you’re warm and cozy all winter long.
4. Healthier Indoor Air Quality
Dust, dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen, and bacteria can circulate if the air filter is clogged or the ductwork is contaminated. Common types of contaminants can also settle in your heating unit and strain it. Eliminating them reduces wear and tear and prevents particulates from blowing out of vents and into rooms and recirculating. As a result, your home will be less dusty, and you will have fewer allergy symptoms.
5. Fewer Safety Hazards
During a furnace tune-up, a technician will check for combustion issues or gas leaks. They can prevent carbon monoxide from building up in your home; this colorless, odorless gas can be deadly. Other problems they can check for include a loose gas connection, which can be tightened or fixed by replacing simple components, or a cracked heat exchanger, which must be replaced. Clearing blocked gas supply pipes and condensate drainage lines also helps to improve your safety.
6. Longer Operating Life
Heating system maintenance services help increase the lifespan of equipment. If well-maintained, a furnace can last at least 15 years. Some units can last as long as 30 years. Heat pumps last 10 to 15 years, on average. A lack of maintenance can shorten the life of your heater by several years, meaning you’ll have to invest in a replacement much sooner. Scheduling furnace or heat pump maintenance services annually means you’ll get more value from your initial investment.
7. Prevents the Unexpected
Maintenance significantly reduces the risk of a furnace breakdown. Hidden problems are often the cause of wear and tear that ultimately cause a heater to fail, which often occurs when you need it the most. Other unexpected issues can include loud noises, such as banging, popping, and rattling. A tune-up can prevent these or address their cause so your heater runs quietly and more reliably.
Can I Do Heating Maintenance Myself?
Changing the filter and keeping the area around your heater clear can help it run more efficiently. But we recommend a professional heating maintenance service once a year. It allows a trained technician to check for issues you wouldn’t know to look for. They also have tools and equipment the average homeowner doesn’t, plus parts and supplies to perform minor repairs on the spot.
Attempting any work on your furnace or heat pump without experience will put your safety at risk. It can also damage the unit. Always call a professional who can safely get the job done right.
Call Hoover for Heating Repair and Maintenance Services
Heating maintenance services keep energy costs low and can prevent major repairs and equipment breakdowns. When providing a furnace or heat pump tune-up, our licensed technicians check all vital components, clean equipment, and seal ducts and connections. They can service any make or model. If necessary, we’ll recommend replacing your heating system and find an energy-efficient solution. To schedule heating maintenance or repair, call (586) 701-6127 today.
