As cool weather dips down into Austin, many homeowners start thinking about turning on their heating systems. But before you crank up the heat, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional heating system tune up. Regular heating system maintenance makes a big difference in how well it works, how long it lasts, and how much it costs you to keep your home warm and cozy. Here are the top three reasons why heating system maintenance is a smart move at this time of year.
1. Improve Energy Efficiency and Save Money
A heating system that’s well-maintained works more efficiently, which means it uses less energy. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, heating your home uses more energy and costs more than any other system in your home, representing 29% of your total utility bill! When your heater is running smoothly, it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm. This saves energy, which lowers your utility bills. Even a small improvement in efficiency can lead to noticeable savings over time.
Regular heating system tune-ups can help spot issues that might cause your unit to work harder than it needs to, such as dirty air filters or loose connections. The DOE says regularly maintaining your heating system can reduce energy usage by up to 30%.
At Honest Plumbing & Air, we have a full-service list of all the heating system maintenance tasks that our expert technicians perform when they come out to tune up your heater. We check the pilot, burners, fan motor, heat exchanger, any control or connections, the blower, and much more. In the fall, we offer Austin residents a heating system tune-up special to help you save even more!
2. Increase System Lifespan
Heating systems are a big investment for any homeowner, and you want our unit to last as long as possible. Professional maintenance can extend the life of your heating system by addressing minor issues before they turn into major repairs. Imagine your heating system like a car – without regular maintenance, parts wear out faster, leading to costly repairs or even early replacement.
Our Honest technicians check for wear and tear and perform adjustments to prevent premature breakdowns. Most new HVAC units should last 15 – 20 years, but the initial investment is such that regular maintenance is essential to get the most years out of your system. Additionally, many warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid, so scheduling a heating system tune-up can also help protect your investment. If you’ve recently installed a new furnace or electric heater, make sure you have a regular maintenance plan in place with your preferred heating and cooling company.
3. Ensure Safe Operation
Safety is a top priority for your heating system because these systems burn fuel, whether it’s natural gas, oil, or propane. While they’re designed to operate safely, leaks or improper ventilation can pose serious risks. Heating system maintenance includes a safety check to make sure the unit is functioning correctly, which reduces the risk of problems like carbon monoxide leaks.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if it builds up in your home. The Centers for Disease Control report that each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning mostly due to fires. The organization focuses on CO safety and recommends homeowners use a qualified HVAC technician to service their heating system every year to protect against CO-related deaths or injuries.
Schedule Your Heating System Tune Up Today
Heating system maintenance can help you save money, extend the life of your system, and keep your family safe. By getting an annual tune up, you’ll be prepared for Austin’s cold season with a system that runs smoothly and efficiently. Contact Honest to handle your maintenance. Give us a call or use our online scheduler to have a technician in your Houston-based home in no time for a cozy, worry-free winter.