What Heating Maintenance Covers
Regular maintenance can eliminate a number of issues before they grow, ensuring smooth and quiet operation and preventing breakdowns. A well-maintained furnace may still need one or two repairs during the year, but these will be small-scale and inexpensive. Even better, your warranty will likely cover part of the cost of these repairs.
You may even see a reduction in your monthly bill because of the increased efficiency. With few issues hindering performance and causing wear and tear, the furnace will last its entire lifespan. Gas furnaces can last around 15 years, and you could get 25 years out of an oil or electric furnace with tune-ups. Considering how costly a system installation is, this is a big plus.
Homeowners should change the air filter in their return vent approximately every 90 days. This way, the dirt and dust buildup on the filter doesn’t hinder airflow and cause problems. They should also take care of their thermostat, replacing the batteries when needed
The rest requires a professional, and that’s where a maintenance plan or program can come in. Even the most comprehensive tune-up won’t take more than two hours of your time. It all starts with a visual inspection of your system. Our technicians will then fix certain minor issues.
Here are some of those issues:
- Loose or old and corroded electrical wiring
- Bearings and other components that lack lubrication
- Bad pilot lights, switches, and circuit boards
- Out-of-balance fan blades and belts
A few of these issues, like loose wiring, present a safety hazard, so this is another advantage to regular maintenance. Our team could also check for cracks in your heat exchanger, through which gas can escape. Just keep in mind that fixing leaks won’t fall under maintenance; you’ll schedule a separate appointment for it. Whatever major issues the team finds will get a mention in a report that you receive at the end.
Cleaning is an essential part of maintenance, as dirt and grime will build up in any heater over time and cause overheating, not to mention a decline in indoor air quality. Tune-ups usually end with a series of tests to check for a smooth start-up and strong, even air distribution.