It’s Not Too Late to Schedule Heater Maintenance This Winter!

Remember To Maintain the Heater This Winter!

Winter is in full swing, and the heating system in virtually every home is fired up and working hard to keep the place warm and cozy. But if the heater hasn’t had a tune-up this fall or winter, homeowners might be in for a cold slap to the face. Without proper maintenance, any heater can develop problems that hinder its efficiency, degrade its performance, and potentially lead to unexpected breakdowns.

But even in the middle of winter, it’s not too late to schedule professional heating maintenance and ensure the home stays toasty! This article will explain what heater maintenance entails, why it’s so important, and how often it should be done.

Benefits of Heating System Maintenance

Some homeowners may consider heater maintenance an extra expense or something they can skip. However, regular maintenance is as important for a heating system as it is for a motor vehicle—without it, things will inevitably start to break down. 

But there are also plenty of heater maintenance benefits that make it more than just a basic necessity:

• It extends the life of the heater by mitigating normal wear & tear.
• It reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and heating issues.
• It improves heating performance for a more comfortable home.
• It improves energy efficiency, saving homeowners money on utility bills.
• It reduces repair costs over the heater’s lifespan.
• It helps maintain high indoor air quality in the home.

What’s Included In Heater Maintenance?

Professional heating system maintenance involves an extensive list of small tasks designed to catch problems early, reduce wear on components, and keep the system running as smoothly as possible. This includes:

• Testing the thermostat and recalibrating if necessary.
• Checking the ignition sequence and burner flames to ensure they’re cycling properly.
• Cleaning the burners.
• Inspecting the exhaust flue for leaks or corrosion.
• Inspecting all electrical connections to make sure they’re tight and in good condition.
• Checking the blower motor belts and bearings for wear and tear (and replacing them if necessary).
• Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or rust.
• Testing safety controls such as thermocouples for proper function.
• Testing the amperage of certain electrical components.

This is just a sample of the basic tasks a technician may perform during a heater service visit. There are many more tasks specific to different types of heating systems (heat pumps, gas furnaces, electric heaters, boilers, etc.).

Due to the complex nature of heating systems and the in-depth knowledge required to work on them, heater maintenance should be left to the pros.

However, homeowners should change their furnace filters regularly between professional heater tune-ups. This vital maintenance task ensures proper airflow, improves indoor air quality, boosts energy efficiency, and improves heating performance.

How Often Should the Heater Be Serviced?

Generally, a professional should service the heater once a year. Ideally, this should be done in the fall before the cold weather arrives. But if homeowners miss that deadline, they shouldn’t feel too bad—it’s better to do it in the middle of winter than not at all!

On the other hand, air filter replacement should be done every three months for most homes. If there are a lot of furry friends in the house, or anyone in the household has respiratory sensitivities, it may be a good idea to replace the air filters every 1-2 months. The power of this simple act can’t be understated – the air filter is usually the first thing technicians check when diagnosing heating problems. 

Regular furnace filter replacement and annual maintenance from a qualified HVAC professional will protect the heating system and keep the house nice and toasty all winter!

About Albritton Service Co

Albritton Service Co has been the go-to resource for electrical and HVAC services in Ruston, LA, since 1982. Their licensed, insured, background-checked, and drug-tested technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year, for emergency service. As an award-winning local business with hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews, they’re not happy unless every customer is completely satisfied – so there’s no one better to call for heater maintenance in Ruston, LA!

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