Get Your Heating System Ready for the Cold Months With Early Seasonal Maintenance
Autumn is just around the corner and before long it will be time to switch the thermostat over to heat mode to ward off the evening chill. And not long after that, the heater will be running around the clock just to keep the house from turning into a popsicle. That’s why HVAC manufacturers and service experts recommend a general inspection and tune-up of the heating system every fall - to make sure the unit is ready to handle the long months of work ahead.
But rather than waiting until the last minute, homeowners will find that there are numerous benefits to getting their seasonal maintenance out of the way early.
Is Heater Maintenance Really Important?
Regular maintenance is arguably the best thing homeowners can do for their heating systems - not just changing the air filters on time (though that is important) but also having the unit serviced by a professional every year. There are several reasons for this.
Maintenance helps extend the unit’s lifespan and prevent major problems by mitigating wear and tear and dealing with small issues before they become more serious. It also helps improve performance and efficiency, ultimately saving homeowners on utilities. Most importantly, it helps ensure safety by minimizing the risk of fires, gas or carbon monoxide leaks, and contamination from air pollutants.
Isn’t It a Bit Early To Get the Heater Serviced?
While it may seem unnecessary to schedule heater maintenance before the heater even starts getting regular use, there are a couple of good reasons to get it done early. For one thing, as the weather gets colder, HVAC service companies get busier. Scheduling service ahead of the peak season helps prevent technicians from getting bogged down or stretched thin and makes it easier to secure a more convenient service window.
Secondly, it’s always best to make sure the heating system is tuned up and ready to go in advance. After all, if a rodent has chewed through a wire or some other hidden issue has developed over the summer, things may not go well when the unit is turned on for the first time, potentially leaving the home without heat. And since cold fronts or autumn storms can come out of nowhere, the sooner any unseen issues are addressed, the better.
What Does Heater Maintenance Include?
A typical heater maintenance service includes a detailed inspection of the entire heating system - from the unit and its components to the home’s ductwork and thermostat - and a series of tasks aimed at improving performance, ensuring safety, managing normal wear and tear, and preventing problems.
The exact tasks will depend on the type and age of the unit, but a few common ones include lubricating bearings and belts, cleaning burners/condenser coils, checking and tightening electrical connections, testing control circuits and safety devices, changing and/or cleaning air filters, calibrating the thermostat, and repairing or replacing any parts as needed.
The whole process is fairly quick and painless in the hands of an experienced professional, typically taking less than 2 hours from start to finish. And if it’s done before the weather turns cold, homeowners won’t even have to bundle up while they wait!
About Guardian Home Services
Guardian Home Services has been a trusted resource for all things HVAC for years. They offer up-front pricing, free estimates, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call the courteous, dependable experts at Guardian for heater maintenance and repair in Cobourg, ON today!
