Why Preseason Heating Tune Ups could Save Your Winter

0% Interest and $0 Down For 12 Months

Heating tune ups should happen every fall when you consider the seasonal change and with the change comes different weather extremes. The snow and frigid temperatures that come with winter can add a lot of stress to your home, especially on your HVAC system. That’s why it’s best to have a heating tune up before the first snow shower.

How Heating Tune Ups Can Help You

Just like how combating the sweltering, humid heat can overwork your air conditioner, keeping your house warm and toasty can overwhelm your heater. Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively requires routine maintenance, but a heating tune up prior to the winter season can save you a lot of trouble. Nobody wants to suffer through the dead of winter with a malfunctioning heater. Here’s how a heating tune up can save your winter from being cold and miserable.

• You save money. Heating and cooling typically account for almost half of the energy used in your home. If your heater isn’t working properly, you have a heater that’s working harder than it should, to keep your house warm, and that means higher utility bills. In other words get heating tune ups to increase the performance and save money.
• Your safety is ensured. Heaters burn fuel to produce heat and the combustion process needs to stay precise in order to burn fuel safely and efficiently. A damaged heater puts you at risk of a gas leak, carbon monoxide leak, fire or even explosion. If you’re unaware that your heater is possibly damaged, a preseason heating tune up can prevent a major safety hazard.
• You reduce repairs. The best way to prevent repairs is to catch the problems early. When conducting a heating tune up, a HVAC technician can spot any potential issues and offer the most effective solution to keep your heater running. A heating tune up is what keeps your heater running efficiently and spares you the cost of major repairs.
• You increase your home’s efficiency. Like any home maintenance, a heating tune up ensures nothing is preventing your heater from functioning like it should. The winter season can be harsh, and if you’re relying heavily on your heater to keep your house warm and comfortable- you’ll need a heater that runs efficiently. An efficient heater does more than just keep you warm and comfortable, it saves you money.
• You’ll have a heater that lives up to its warranty. HVAC systems tend to last up to 15 years. With frequent cleaning and maintenance, however, your heater can last an additional 10 years, saving you up to $3000. Heaters are expensive to replace, but every heating tune up done to your heater ensures it lives its warranty.

When is It Time for Heating Tune Ups

Preseason heating tune ups are great for preventing potential winter season disasters, but the fall season shouldn’t be the only time you schedule a tune up. Problems can happen at any given time, and the faster you act the better. Spotting a potential problem and knowing when to act, however, can be tricky. If you’re not sure if it’s time for a heating tune up, there are a few warning signs to watch out for.

• Age. One of the first telltale signs that you’re in need of a heating tune up is the age of your heater. The older your heater, especially if it’s close to its warranty, the closer you’ll want to pay attention to any possible malfunctions, funky sounds, and odors. The older the appliance, the more prone it is to break down.
• Cold air. It might seem obvious that there’s something wrong if your heater isn’t producing warm air, but a lack of heat can mean an immediate heater failure. Cold air could be the result of a variety of problems such as the blower fan, heat exchanger, or pilot light. A heating tune up, in this case, can prevent an imminent heater failure.
• Strange noises. Most home appliances make noises, and that includes your heater. If you’re hearing popping or squealing noises, however, that might mean something has come loose inside your heater and needs a repair or replacement.
• Higher utility bills. Your habits and how you maintain your heater isn’t always the culprit for higher utility bills. If you notice your heating bill is more expensive than usual, that could be a sign that your heater is on its last leg.
• Yellow pilot light. The color of your pilot light is very telling. If you have a natural gas heater, the pilot light should always be blue. A yellow pilot light is not only a warning sign that your heater needs repairs, but that there could be a gas or carbon monoxide leak and should be repaired immediately.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

A damaged heater poses a lot of problems, and no homeowner should have to suffer from the comfort of their own home. A heating tune up spares you all from some dangerous safety hazards and expensive repairs. If it’s time for a heating tune up, don’t hesitate to contact a HVAC technician.
Call Gold Star Service today so we can send one of our certified technicians to your home to provide one of our winter ready tune ups!